Unbowed

Maathai grew up in a Kenya that was still under colonialist rule. What were some of Maathai’s personal experiences with colonialism and cultural imperialism? Do you believe that all of these experiences were wholly negative? 

Maathai went to Catholic schools as a young girl, and then to a Catholic university in the United States. What about these schools do you think influenced her and formed her point of view? What about the schools was difficult for her?

The United States is a culture shock for Maathai in many ways, including what she discovers about racism and race relations there. How, as an African, has she not been prepared for this? How are race relations different in her own country than in the US?

Maathai returns to an independent Kenya in 1966, after some years in the United States. What about this new Kenya is exciting and hopeful to her? What about it is disillusioning and frustrating? 

Maathai states at one point that she has been influenced by her time in the United States. How do you think the American point of view has inspired her and influenced her as an activist? 

In her activism, Maathai has been very strategic and deliberate in how she confronts the Kenyan government and forces of law and order. What are some of her strategies—mental strategies, as well as tactical strategies? How do you think that she has refined these strategies over time? 

What are some ways in which Maathai has refined and expanded her Green Belt Movement, over the years? What are some reasons why this movement—and Maathai herself—was so threatening to President Moi’s government?  

Maathai states at one point, “A woman politician needs the skin of an elephant” (254). Why do you think she says this? What in her own experience might have led her to say this?