Celebrating Women’s Achievements for Animals this International Women’s Month

Edith Kabesiime

Edith Kabesiime has over 25 years of experience and leads on our wildlife campaigns across Africa to protect wild animals by working with young people, governments, experts, and coalitions to end the exploitation of wild animals used as luxury pets and medicines. She previously headed CARE International’s Women Empowerment in Natural Resource Conservation and governance work in Uganda. Edith has a Master of Science (Environment and Natural Resource Management), Bachelor of Science (Botany & Zoology), Diploma in Plant Conservation Techniques, Plant taxonomy, and a Diploma in Education.

"I feel privileged because joining World Animal Protection has given me the opportunity to use my passion and experience to make animals’ lives better in whatever small way I can. I have raised the profile of the welfare of wild animals and educated young people across many countries in Africa about why it should matter to them to protect wild animals."

What are some of your personal career highlights or memorable moments?

My personal career journey is a very interesting one. It is hard to say it has been a smooth and straight forward road; and for that I always call myself lucky. Why? Because not many girls raised in a remote rural area in a developing country like mine get the chance to study beyond elementary school. Many girls get married off before they complete their primary school education. In fact, almost all girls in my cohort dropped off and never had the opportunity to transition to high school. I count myself lucky because my parents did not marry me off to be a child mother. Therefore, my real big milestone was when I secured myself a place in high school. 

Joining World Animal Protection in 2017 was another significant milestone. I thank my son who encouraged me to jump onto this opportunity. To be honest, working for World Animal Protection has been one of the most fulfilling moments in my career journey. There is nothing more fulfilling than doing what one loves to do to speak for the voiceless; but also to manage the fear of potential rejection by friends who may feel that animal lives don’t matter that much. I love the fact that my family admire what I am doing for animals and are very supportive to an extent that they sometimes directly participate in my work. This never happened before in my previous jobs! 

In recognition of International Women’s Day, what message do you want to send out to young women interested in protecting animals and the planet?

I want to tell young women that we live in an interconnected world. For every action you take in your daily lives first think how it might affect the environment and the non-human animals that share this planet with us. Whatever field you choose to work in, use your talent and influence to protect animals.      

Diane Weeks 

Diane Weeks has a background is in art and design. She recently published a book she wrote and illustrated about daily life in her hometown in Connecticut, where she has lived with her husband, son, and daughter since 1988.  

Use your voice to stand up to injustices and to praise and encourage positive change. Kindly educate people in your life and point out how they can be a part of making this world a better place.  

How did you become interested in helping animals? 

As a young girl, my father shared his sensitivity and appreciation for animals with me. We spent hours observing them in their natural habitats. But it was my high school teacher who taught typing and was an animal activist who made us aware of many injustices. We were introduced to the idea that you could help an animal beyond your own backyard by demanding change. We spent our class time typing letters on behalf of animal rights and sending our requests to politicians. She would assign us different topics where animals needed a voice. We would get busy typing on their behalf. I loved the sound of everyone’s fingernails clicking on the typewriter keys while thinking to myself how great it was that we were all helping an animal somewhere in need.  

In recognition of Women's History Month, what message do you want to send out to young women interested in protecting animals and the planet? 

It is our right and our responsibility to give thanks and be stewards of all of the gifts that God gave us. That includes how we treat one another, respecting our earth, and especially caring for the innocent creatures that we share our turn on this planet with. Keep your eyes open and be ready to step in to help. Be proud to act on your passion for what you believe in and love. Research animal advocacy groups who you respect and join in their crusade and causes. Use your voice to stand up to injustices and to praise and encourage positive change. Kindly educate people in your life and point out how they can be a part of making this world a better place.  

Patty Finch Dewey 

After teaching for 8 years, Patty Finch (Dewey) became the first VP of Youth Education, HSUS/HSI, and then went on to serve as Director of Charitable Giving and Programs at a major charity, awarding as much as $10 million in grants per year. Later she became the first ED of the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries, which included overseeing the development of international standards and placement of 8,500 animals needing rescue into sanctuaries. Now retired, she is a philanthropic advisor/board member for two private foundations, and a parrot advocate, serving as volunteer manager of the Parrot Conservation Alliance, an international parrot sanctuary/rescue/wildlife center alliance, which she initiated in 2018.  

Use your voice to stand up to injustices and to praise and encourage positive change. Kindly educate people in your life and point out how they can be a part of making this world a better place.  

What inspired you to use your voice and your actions to protect animals? 

As a young woman of 20, I went to India as part of The Experiment in International Living. I had read about the extreme poverty of India, but nothing had prepared me for the realities I saw and smelled immediately upon arrival.  

Finally, I met a wise, old holy man who said I could help. “Yes, there is something you can do. Work where you will be most effective,” he said. “Go home. Work on alleviating the suffering you will find in your own backyard." I protested. No suffering in the United States could possibly compare to this! I wanted to work where I was most needed – in India. He said, “suffering is suffering.” 

What makes you the most hopeful about the future for animals and our planet? 

Youth. I’m especially encouraged by young women stepping up in huge numbers. Greta Thornberg, Keiana Cavé, Elora Malama West, Genesis Butler, and all those whose names we may never know, but whose collective impact will and must make a huge difference….they give me tremendous hope. 

In recognition of Women's History Month, what message do you want to send out to young women interested in protecting animals and the planet? 

In one sentence:Use your voice to stand up to injustices and to praise and encourage positive change. Kindly educate people in your life and point out how they can be a part of making this world a better place.  

Caroline Weeks 

Caroline Weeks is a recent graduate of Southern Methodist University and currently in Connecticut with her family. She runs a marketing business and lives a happy vegan lifestyle. She has dedicated much of her life to educating people about animal welfare as well as raising awareness about more sustainable practices & lifestyles.   

Collectivity, we can get the job done and continue to fight for animals with compassion and grace. It’s not always easy but if it's your value system you will persevere. 

 How did you become interested in helping animals? 

I can honestly say it was from the moment I was born. My mother always had me outside as a child. I was usually barefoot, feeling the Earth beneath me and touching the plants around me (and occasionally the insects too). I have always been infatuated with all living creatures. I’ve had an unbreakable bond with them my entire life.  

What inspires you to use your voice and your actions to protect animals? 

The intimate moments I share with animals inspire me. When I look into the eyes of a creature, I see life. I see a living, breathing, sentient being. I see these beautiful creatures that have their own families, methods of communicating, and group culture. They are no different than the human species and I feel it is my duty to do what I can to protect them. It's not hard to make decisions once your moral compass is developed. Protect what you love. 

In recognition of Women's History Month, what message do you want to send out to young women interested in protecting animals and the planet? 

Don’t stop protecting the planet you live on. There’s no planet B. Women are so powerful, and it is crucial that we rise by lifting others and encourage one another to keep pushing forward. Collectivity, we can get the job done and continue to fight for animals with compassion and grace. It’s not always easy but if it's your value system you will persevere. There's an entire community out there supporting you and your efforts!  

Marianne Rowe 

As a former academic and administrator turned full-time painter, Marianne combines her love for animals and nature with her artwork.   

All of the world's unbelievably amazing species of animals are not here to serve us, but to "be" in their own uniqueness. It is our duty to nurture and appreciate, not destroy them. 

How did you become interested in helping animals? 

I grew up in post-war, rural Germany and caring for animals was always a salient part of my young life. In a way, I found refuge in them and considered the farm animals my friends. This affection has always stayed with me.  

Tell us about your advocacy or activism for animals. 

Initially, my animal advocacy extended from adopting strays, community cats, and bringing injured animals of all types into my home. In this way, my family developed an affection and respect for different species. 

Now, I support local animal shelters and international wildlife groups financially, as much as possible. I can't go out into the field, but can aid others to do that important work. 

In recognition of Women's History Month, what message do you want to send out to young women interested in protecting animals and the planet? 

Young women have the power to stop animal cruelty as well as the degradation of the planet by speaking out, supporting animal protection groups and calling on politicians to make laws that protect the rights and dignity of animals. All of the world's unbelievably amazing species of animals are not here to serve us, but to "be" in their own uniqueness. It is our duty to nurture and appreciate, not destroy them. 

Carla Skinder 

Carla Marie Skinder has been a global warrior working on behalf of animals all her life. Carla always knew she wanted to see as much of the world as she could and to share what she experienced with others. And she has been doing exactly that since 1978 when she left the United States for the first time. She has traveled to every continent to meet animals and people on their turf all while studying and photographing animals in their world. 

How did you become interested in helping animals?

I became interested in helping animals as a young child when I began walking into the woods where there were bogs and little streams and ponds full of life...I saw the little creatures...the tadpoles which turned into frogs, salamanders, spiders, mosquitoes - yes, mosquitoes! - which are food for many of nature’s creatures.  At the age of 9 I lived with my aunt and uncle and often came home with the tadpoles and spiders to watch them closely in buckets and jars before returning them to their habitat.   

Tell us about your advocacy or activism for animals.

Working at the New England Aquarium in Boston gave me the opportunity to educate the public that all creatures had their place on this earth and they should be respected and protected. My vacation time became dedicated to travel all over the world with animal organizations to work on projects to better the lives of animals and people...and yes, we are animals too! World Animal Protection gave my ex-husband, who was a farrier, and me the opportunity to work with horses in Brazil to better their lives through healthy feet. 

In recognition of Women's History Month, what message do you want to send out to young women interested in protecting animals and the planet? 

My advice for young women who are interested in protecting animals and our planet is to get the best education possible: read, read, read!  Know your subject inside out and be compassionate when you have the opportunity to speak on animal welfare and our planet. Always remember that we have only one earth...and that we can share our planet with wildlife.  

Grab your mask and get out there and march for animal and planet rights!  I have confidence in your generation. Women can be an effective force for change. WORLD ANIMAL PROTECTION IS COUNTING ON YOU SO GET GOING! 

Sarah K. Griffin 

Sarah is currently Counsel at the law firm of Atelier Aftab, advising clients on sustainable finance and effective corporate rights governance, and was previously a partner in the finance group at Milbank LLP.  She has spent most of her legal career providing pro bono legal services to various animal rescue and advocacy organizations and has worked to strengthen animal legal protections as a member of the New York City Bar's Animal Law Committee.  

There have been a number of small, but very positive, trends for animals in the last few years - a growing movement to end the use of fur, the banning of elephants from circuses, the planned end to captive orcas at Seaworld.  They are all reminders that when armed with the right information, humans can make compassionate decisions for the benefit of non-human animals.  

How did you become interested in helping animals?   

I've passionately loved animals since I was a little girl - playing outside with whatever little creatures lived in our backyard, or taking care of a rescue cat, or spending time with cows and horses at nearby farms. But it was not until my late twenties, when I learned the facts about factory farming, that I recognized the incredible suffering of and injustice towards animals on which our modern society is built.  At that point, I became really interested in how to effect systemic change for animals and help them on a broader scale. 

What makes you the most hopeful about the future for animals and our planet?  

There have been a number of small, but very positive, trends for animals in the last few years - a growing movement to end the use of fur, the banning of elephants from circuses,  the planned end to captive orcas at Seaworld.  They are all reminders that when armed with the right information, humans can make compassionate decisions for the benefit of non-human animals.   

In recognition of Women's History Month, what message do you want to send out to young women interested in protecting animals and the planet?  

Don't be afraid to lean into your passion, compassion, and empathy - these are qualities that for so long people have been taught to hide in order to get ahead in the modern workplace, but that are slowly being recognized as necessary for the long-term success not just of businesses but more importantly the human race and the planet on which we live.   

Cathy Wallach

Cathy Wallach is an entrepreneur and animal welfare advocate. After selling her computer training company to The Washington Post, she was fortunate enough to be able to turn her lifelong love for animals into action. She served on the board of the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals from 2003 to 2019 and is currently on the board of HEART (Humane Education Advocates Reaching Teachers). She strongly believes that all animals deserve compassion and equal protection, and she is particularly focused on putting an end to factory farming. 

Be tolerant of other viewpoints. Be inclusive and try not to judge. Division within the animal welfare/animal rights community never helps the animals.

How did you become interested in helping animals? 

When I was in my twenties, I witnessed a dog shaking after he was hit by his owner with a newspaper. The dog's fear and pain got to me in such a way that I never forgot that moment. After I sold my company, I joined the board of a large animal welfare organization. That was in 2003, and just a few months later I found out how farm animals are treated. I was stunned and horrified. I could not believe that these conditions and activities were legal. I thought that all I had to do was expose it and things would change.At the time, I was not aware of all the farm animal welfare work going on and I never imagined there would be such a long, hard struggle ahead. However, I was determined to do everything in my power to help these sentient beings. 

What makes you the most hopeful about the future for animals and our planet? 

I'm hopeful that changes are coming because organizations in the areas of animal welfare, human health, and the environment are now joining forces and working together to eliminate factory farming.  

In recognition of Women's History Month, what message do you want to send out to young women interested in protecting animals and the planet? 

Be tolerant of other viewpoints. Be inclusive and try not to judge. Division within the animal welfare/animal rights community never helps the animals. There may indeed be no way to "humanely" raise animals for food and perhaps they shouldn't be killed for food at all. We can debate those issues all we want, but right now there are billions of animals raised and slaughtered for food every year and if there is anything that can be done to ease their suffering in the meantime, we should be doing it. Consumer demand, legislation, education - let's use these tools to drive the elimination of crates, cages, overuse of antibiotics, etc. from the systems that are in place today, while working even harder to eventually eliminate factory farming altogether.