Famous quote by Wangari Maathai

"Women are responsible for their children, they cannot sit back, waste time and see them starve"

About this Quote

Wangari Maathai’s statement emphasizes the deeply held sense of responsibility that women possess toward their children, particularly when it comes to their well-being and survival. The language suggests an unyielding commitment that goes beyond passive care; it calls for action, resilience, and resourcefulness in the face of adversity. For Maathai, women’s roles are not simply defined by biological ties but by the active measures they take to safeguard their children’s future.

Embedded in her words is also a powerful commentary on the intersection of gender, social expectation, and survival. The notion of sitting back and wasting time in the face of children’s suffering is antithetical to Maathai’s understanding of motherhood and womanhood. She implicitly criticizes systems or individuals who would permit inaction where intervention and care are necessary. This perspective resonates strongly with her broader activism, which underscores how women, often bearing the central load of nurturing and providing within families, must also be agents of change in their communities and societies at large.

The quote implicitly acknowledges the societal challenges and resource scarcity that many women face. By using the imagery of starvation, Maathai pinpoints the severity of the challenges confronting mothers, often in contexts where food insecurity is a reality and where governmental or communal safety nets may be lacking. She elevates the role of women, suggesting that their direct involvement, their refusal to give in to despair or passivity, can be the critical factor that steers children away from hardship.

Maathai’s words not only honor the perseverance of countless women but also serve as a rallying cry. They remind listeners and readers that the maternal drive to protect and provide is not only natural but vital, and it can be a formidable force for grassroots change, especially when institutional support is insufficient. She encourages, perhaps even challenges, women to harness their agency, resilience, and creativity in combating the obstacles that threaten their children’s welfare.

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About the Author

Wangari Maathai This quote is written / told by Wangari Maathai between April 1, 1940 and September 25, 2011. She was a famous Activist from Kenya. The author also have 21 other quotes.
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