Martha Karua

Overview

Martha Karua (née Wangari) born Kirinyaga, Kenya September 22, 1957. "Iron Lady of Africa." Human rights advocate and lawyer; first woman elected to Kenyan Parliament, 1992. Kenyan Justice Minister, 2005-09; resigned due to inability to freely pursue her reform efforts. Presidential candidate, 2012.

Quotations

"There can’t be peace without women—we are giving true meaning to democracy by focusing on peace." (Ceasefire Magazine, Jan. 3, 2012)