As we celebrate International Women’s Day this month, we wanted to take a moment to recognise the incredible impact that vegan women have on the world. And in particular, vegan women are making waves in this movement, also changing the way we think about food, animal rights, and our impact on the planet.
Throughout history, women have played a significant role in the vegan movement and their contributions continue to be vital today.
Veganism is not only about ethical consumption and animal rights. It is also about issues such as social justice, sustainability, and environmentalism. Moreover, they are often not intersectional with issues that impact women.
Historically, women such as Frances Moore Lappé, in the 1970s, played a key role in popularizing vegetarianism and veganism in the United States. She wrote the influential book “Diet for a Small Planet”. Lappé was also a feminist and emphasized the connection between environmental sustainability and social justice. Women like La Donna Redmond, founder of the Campaign for Food Justice Now, and Dr. A. Breeze Harper, founder of the Sistah Vegan Project, also had a great impact. They highlighted the importance of understanding the intersectionality of issues such as racism, sexism, and environmental degradation.
Female leaders, entrepreneurs, and activists continue to play a significant role in advocating veganism. But also, they are making it more accessible and putting vegan businesses that benefit people, animals, and the environment on the map.
In honour of International Women’s Day, we want to share more about a few trailblazing vegan women who are changing the world and leading the way in the vegan movement. There are so many incredible women that are part of the movement, and we wish we could feature them all. In addition, we hope you enjoy reading about these inspirational women.
Incredible Vegan Women
LA Dunn, Founder of Black Girls Eat
LA Dunn is a plant-based advocate who created the Black Girls Eat platform to encourage women and families to go green and fight diabetes, obesity, heart disease, and inflammation with food and knowledge.
The platform was born to ensure proper representation of Black women in the mainstream vegan movement. Through her work, LA Dunn has become a respected voice in the vegan community. Furthermore, her advocacy has helped to shift the narrative around veganism.
Since then, Black Girls Eat has grown into a thriving community with thousands of followers. LA Dunn has used the platform to promote the benefits of plant-based eating and to showcase the diversity of the vegan community. Her mission is to encourage people to eat more fruits, vegetables, and grains. As a result, ultimately to improve public health, reduce animal suffering, and combat climate change.
Irina Miller Co-Founder of Daisy Lab,
Irina Miller is the Co-Founder of Daisy Labs, an innovative start-up making waves in the food industry. Daisy Lab is an all-female-led biotech start-up on a mission to use science to improve humanity. They have a core focus on developing and researching precision fermentation food technology.
Daisy Lab was founded in 2020, to provide consumers with delicious, healthy, and sustainable alternatives to traditional dairy products. The company uses plant-based ingredients and innovative production methods. It creates products that are not only good for consumers but also for the environment.
Irina and her team are committed to creating environmentally friendly products that support local farmers and communities. As Daisy Lab continues to grow and expand its reach, she remains focused on her mission to create sustainable and ethical food alternatives. These are aligned with her values and protect the land and animals.
Sergeant Nyaradzo Hoto, Akashinga Anti-Poaching Unit
Sergeant Nyaradzo Hoto is a Zimbabwean Anti-Poaching Ranger and Military Veteran, who is part of an elite all-female anti-poaching unit called Akashinga.
Akashinga, established by the International Anti-Poaching Foundation (IAPF), is Africa’s first all-female, plant-based, Anti-Poaching Unit and these courageous women are on the frontlines of the poaching war.
She is not only committed to protecting wildlife and wilderness areas. Moreover, she advocates and promotes veganism as a way to support human health, animal welfare, and environmental sustainability.
Sergeant Nyaradzo Hoto and her fellow rangers have faced many challenges while protecting wildlife. This includes encountering armed poachers and dealing with hostile attitudes from some community members. However, they remain dedicated to their mission, and their work is essential to preserving Africa’s wildlife for future generations.
Genesis Butler, Vegan Activist
Genesis is a young activist who became vegan at the age of six and has been advocating for animal rights ever since. She is the Founder of the nonprofit organisation, Genesis for Animals. Their mission is to help support animal sanctuaries and rescues throughout the United States.
Through her activism, Genesis Butler is inspiring people of all ages to consider the impact of their food choices on animals, the environment, and their health. She is proving that even one person, regardless of age, can make a significant impact on the world through their actions and advocacy.
Dr. Melanie Joy, Founder of Beyond Carnism
Dr. Melanie Joy is a Psychologist, Author, and Vegan Activist best known as the Founder of Beyond Carnism, a nonprofit organization that promotes veganism and animal rights.
She is a recognized expert on the psychology of eating and has written extensively on the topic of carnism. She defines it as the invisible belief system that conditions people to eat certain animals. Also, she has written several award-winning books, including “Why We Love Dogs, Eat Pigs, and Wear Cows,” which explores the psychological and cultural factors that shape our attitudes toward animals and our food choices.
Through her work with Beyond Carnism, she aims to raise awareness about the ethical and environmental implications of animal agriculture and promote plant-based eating as a way to reduce animal suffering and protect the planet.
Sources: https://carnism.org/
Lisa Feria, CEO of Stray Dog Capital
Lisa Feria is a venture capitalist and the CEO of Stray Dog Capital, a firm that invests in companies working to develop plant-based and cell-based alternatives to animal products. She is helping to drive innovation and bring a more sustainable food system.
Lisa is a strong advocate for sustainable and ethical food production. Also, she has used her position as a venture capitalist to support companies making a positive impact on the food industry. In addition, she is an advocate for women in the tech and venture capital industries. She is creating opportunities for women and other underrepresented groups in this space.
Through her work with Stray Dog Capital and her advocacy for women and sustainable food production, Lisa Feria is making a positive impact on the food industry. She is helping to promote a more compassionate and sustainable food system that benefits animals, people, and the planet.
Jaya Bhumitra, Social Justice Advocate
Jaya Bhumitra is an experienced animal welfare advocate and has worked in the animal rights movement for over a decade. She is passionate about empowering people, advocating for animals, and environmental protection.
Jaya is passionate about engaging with companies and encouraging them to adopt more humane practices. She has served as the Managing Director for Animal Charity Evaluators. It is a research-based nonprofit, where she oversaw representation, equity, and inclusion; people operations; culture; and capacity building. Moreover, she previously held the position of Director of Corporate Outreach at Animal Equality. It is an organization that promotes animal rights and ends animal exploitation.
Also, she advocated for animal welfare policies and practices within major food companies, such as Nestle and Subway.
In addition, she has also been an active voice for animal welfare in the media and is a member of several organizations that promote animal welfare and environmental sustainability. Jaya Bhumitra is helping to create a more compassionate and sustainable food system. She is making a positive impact on the way people think about their food choices and additionally impact on animals, the environment, and their health.
Melody van Rossum, Founder of Core Abundant Lifestyle
Melody van Rossum is an Intergenerational Trauma Healer, and Entrepreneur in holistic lifestyle and business. Also, she is the founder of Core Abundant Lifestyle – a holistic vegan lifestyle brand.
Through Core Abundant Lifestyle, Melody offers a range of services designed to support plant-based and sustainable living. It includes a sustainable jewellery line, business development workshops for conscious and creative entrepreneurs, holistic well-being workshops for creative healers, energetic healing, and so much more!
Through her work with Core Abundant Lifestyle, Melody is helping people live healthier, sustainable, and more compassionate lives.
Yvonne O’Halloran, Author and Advocate
Yvonne O’Halloran is a Plant-Based Dietician, Author, Speaker, and Animal Welfare Advocate who is dedicated to promoting plant-based living and animal protection.
She is the author of “Plant-Powered Animal Protectors,” a book that explores the benefits of plant-based eating for animal welfare and the environment.
In addition to her work as an author, Yvonne is also the Founder of Living Vegan, Her company promotes veganism through online education, advocacy, and community support. Through Living Vegan, she provides resources and support for people interested in adopting a plant-based lifestyle.
Yvonne is a passionate animal welfare advocate and has worked with several animal protection organizations, including Mercy for Animals and Animal Equality. She has also been a vocal advocate for environmental sustainability and the role of plant-based eating in reducing the environmental impact of animal agriculture.
These are just a few examples of the many incredible women making a difference in the vegan world! So let us celebrate all the vegan women and all the remarkable things they do to create a more sustainable, ethical world for all.