Open the Door 2020: Thursday 21st May

Introduction to Day 4 of Open the Door 2020

On Day 4 of Open the Door 2020 we’re focusing on Kenyan social, environmental and political activist, Wangari Maathai.

Gillian Burke

Gillian Burke is a natural history television programme producer and voiceover artist, and has been a co-presenter of the BBC nature series Springwatch and its spin-offs since 2017.

Today Gillian explores her connections to Wangari Maathai and shares her passion for the natural world. Here you can see a short video intro to Gillan, her connection to Kenya and her enthusiasm for Wangari Maathai.

 Gillian Burke: Wangari, the Woman

Gillian looks at Wangari’s story and what it means to her. How did a Kikuyu woman, raised in rural East Africa, start a grassroots movement to empower women and rural communities that grew so strong that it unseated an oppressive, single-party government?

Meet Book Bunk

We are celebrating Wangari Maathai as part of this year’s Open the Door festival in honour of our friendship with Book Bunk. Book Bunk are an organisation based in Nairobi that aims to drive the (re)utilisation of public libraries as inclusive and usable, contemporary public spaces. Find out more about this incredible organisation in this special focus on Book Bunk and their work.

Gillian Burke: Wangari, The Early Years

An exploration of where Wangari came from and the wisdom to be found in her autobiography, Unbowed. Gillian reveals more of her own experiences and looks at the effect upbringing had on shaping both women into environmentalists.

Wangari Maathai

We take a look at the words and wisdom of Wangari Maathai and give you a chance to respond.

Digital Poetry Slam Round 3

See the finalists of the first ever GWL Digital Poetry Slam.

Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art & Design Student Showcase

Students from Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art & Design in Dundee have created motion graphics inspired by the 3 historical women authors we’re celebrating as part of Open the Door 2020. Today, we showcase the work of students who were inspired by Kenyan social, environmental and political activist, Wangari Maathai.

Gillian Burke: Birth of The Green Belt Movement

Wangari began her tree planting initiative but for it to be a success she had to listen to rural women and help them find the link between their hardships and the deforestation of their land. Gillian asks how your needs could be met through changes to your physical environment.

Gillian Burke: Your Environment

Gillian pares back the often near-meaningless words used around this subject to get to the core of the matter and asks for your ideas on the landscapes around us.