Wangari Maathai, Unbowed

Community Comments

Your skill at conflict resolution comes through in “Unbowed.” What were the keys to that ability?

In conflict resolution, when I was doing the work, I did not realize in the beginning that the conflicts that I was observing were due to struggle over resources. I did not see it that way. When I realized that these are conflicts over resources and politicians are taking advantage of the poverty of the people and the needs of the people to fuel those conflicts, I started organizing what I call civic and environmental seminars.

You have been a leader in many different capacities—professor, legislator and activist. What kinds of leadership tips would you like to share?

I think that one of the things that I have experienced in all these areas is that it is really a privilege to be in a leadership position. And it’s very important to use that opportunity to promote the common good, not to lead for self-aggrandizement, which is quite often what we do when we have positions of power. We forget that people put us there so that we may serve.

Giving back to your community has been a major theme in your life. Why?
Continued...

• Share
  • Digg This
  • del.icio.us
  • Newsvine
  • Facebook
  • Reddit
  • Furl It
  • !Y My Web
  • Google
• Email
• Print

Recommend This

Community Comments