Wangari Maathai

Wangari Muta Maathai (born April 1, 1940 in Nyeri) is a Kenyan environmental and political activist. In 2004 she was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for "her contribution to sustainable development, democracy and peace" — the first African woman to receive the award.

Nobel Peace Prize

"Maathai stood up courageously against the former oppressive regime in Kenya" the Norwegian Nobel Committee said in a statement announcing her as the 2004 Nobel Peace Prize winner. "Her unique forms of action have contributed to drawing attention to political oppression — nationally and internationally. She has served as inspiration for many in the fight for democratic rights and has especially encouraged women to better their situation."

Related Topics:
Kenya - Norwegian Nobel Committee

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Controversy

Maathai caused a stir among media commentators when, at a press conference following the announcement of the Nobel award, she spoke out in favor of the claim that the HIV virus was the product of bio-engineering, and then released in Africa by unidentified Western scientists as a weapon of mass destruction to "punish Blacks." The claim is supported by only a small minority, and is one of many AIDS conspiracy theories.

Related Topics:
HIV - Weapon of mass destruction - Blacks - AIDS conspiracy theories

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She has since clarified her position, saying:

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: I have no idea who created AIDS and whether it is a biological agent or not. But I do know things like that don't come from the moon. I have always thought that it is important to tell people the truth, but I guess there is some truth that must not be too exposed.

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: I'm referring to AIDS. I am sure people know where it came from. And I'm quite sure it did not come from the monkeys. Why can't we be encouraged to ask ourselves these questions?

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from the October 18, 2004 issue of TIME Europe magazine

Related Topics:
October 18 - 2004

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