Final answer:
Wangari Maathai faced resistance from the government and powerful interest groups, who saw her environmental conservation and women's rights initiatives as a threat to their profits. She also had to challenge societal and cultural views about tree planting and traditional gender roles.
Step-by-step explanation:
Wangari Maathai faced several hurdles in achieving her mission, but the major hurdle was the resistance she encountered from government and powerful interest groups. Maathai's mission was to promote environmental conservation and women's rights through tree planting initiatives in Kenya. However, her efforts posed a threat to those who benefited from deforestation and land grabbing.
For example, the government and companies involved in logging saw Maathai's movement as a challenge to their profits. They used various tactics to undermine her work, including intimidation, violence, and legal obstacles. Maathai was arrested and faced legal battles, but she persevered and continued to fight for her mission.
In addition to government and corporate resistance, Maathai also faced societal and cultural challenges. In some communities, tree planting was seen as a menial task and not a priority. Maathai had to challenge these traditional gender roles and educate people about the importance of environmental conservation.