March Forward Together: Celebrating Women’s History Month

On International Women’s Day and in honor of Women’s History Month, we are honoring all of the strong and compassionate women working to build a kinder world for animals and humans alike.

Compassion Over Killing is one of few female-led farm animal protection organizations, and with women holding top leadership positions. Yet, we know that the vast majority of our movement is comprised of dedicated women, often working out of the public eye, making a meaningful impact on the lives of animals and inspiring compassionate choices in others.

Though we can’t possibly share the names and work of every woman actively making the world a better place for animals, today we are excited to highlight some of the causes that are empowering women and making a meaningful impact for animals.

The Unbound Project: This multi-platform project, created by photojournalist Jo-Anne McArthur and Dr. Keri Cronin of Brock University, tells the stories of women “on the front lines of animal advocacy,” from past pioneers like Millennium Guild founder Maud Freshel to today’s activists like Yenzekile Mathebula who along with other women patrols South Africa’s Kruger National Park as part of female anti-poaching unit, the Black Mambas.

A Well-Fed World: With a two-part mission, A Well-Fed World (AWFW) works to alleviate “the suffering of people hungry from lack of food, and the suffering of animals used and abused for food,” not only distributing vegan foods but also empowering communities around the world through food gardening programs and more.

VINE Sanctuary: In addition to rescuing farmed animals, VINE Sanctuary, founded by Pattrice and Miriam Jones, also works to raise awareness of intersectional issues of systemic oppression and discrimination. Their website states, “We work within an ecofeminist understanding of the interconnection of all life and the intersection of all forms of oppression.”

VegFund: Empowering others through grants and other resources, VegFund helps fuel vegan activism around the world. Led by Executive Director Leslie Barcus, the organization provides funding for events like free vegan food sampling, film screenings, and more.

Plant-Based Foods Association: Comprised of plant-powered companies, the PBFA works to promote the plant-based foods industry and encourage a fair marketplace. The Association is led by Executive Director Michele Simon and includes several woman-owned businesses, like Miyoko Schinner’s Miyoko’s Kitchen, and is sponsored by VegFund and A Well-Fed World among others.

Women are also leading the way for the future of food, spearheading vegan businesses like Doron Petersan’s Sticky Fingers Sweets & Eats and Fare Well here in DC, Miyoko Schinner’s Miyoko’s Kitchen, Brenda Sanders’ PEP Foods, or Nicole Marquis’ HipCityVeg, and so many others.

Looking for vegan food DIY? Try dishes by Annie Shannon or Compassion Over Killing’s own Vegan Food & Lifestyle Coach, Jessica Carter!

Read the works of women writers like Tracye McQuirter, who penned her book “By Any Greens Necessary,” the African American Vegan Starter Guide, and her upcoming “Ageless Vegan.”

Get inspired! Read and share the incredible stories on The Unbound Project, and if there’s a woman whose work for animals motivates you, nominate her to be featured too!