Maathai creates history with Nobel award

Royalty, scientists, business leaders and diplomats gathered in the capitals of Sweden and Norway today to honour this year’s 12 Nobel laureates from Kenya, Austria, Israel and the United States.

Kenyan environmental activist Wangari Maathai became the first African woman to receive the peace prize for her work fighting for the environment and the rights of women and children. She accepted a gold medal, a diploma, along with 10 million kronor (E1.2m), from Ole Danbolt Mjoes, chairman of the Norwegian Nobel Committee.