In this video by Taking Root, Wangari Maathai explains her inspiration to found the Green Belt movement in East Africa, in which women began to plant trees to promote their rights to the land, water security and local forests. Even after she faced political persecution and the President of Kenya Daniel Arap Moi made misogynistic comments about Maathai, the Green Belt movement succeeded in defending Kenya’s democracy, promoting human rights, and advocating for gender equality. Photo credit: Nyumbani
