Wangarĩ Maathai was a Kenyan social, environmental, and political activist who founded the Green Belt Movement, an environmental non-governmental organization focused on planting trees, environmental conservation, and women's rights. In 2004, she became the first African woman to win the Nobel Peace Prize. The Nobel Peace Prize 2004, announced October 8, 2004. Wangari Maathai, “for her contribution to sustainable development, democracy and peace”. Wangari Maathai: born 1940, Nyeri, Kenya. Wiki link Data: the Nobel Foundation (CC0).