These brave women are making feminism more inclusive by fighting for animals

Feminism is a growing cult, arguably, one that is needed. So much has been written on the subject, yet enough has not been said. But what is feminism?

It means different things to different people. To me, as long as you stand up for what is right, whether you are a man or a woman, whether you are fighting for a girl, boy or an animal, you are a feminist. As clichéd as it sounds, actions do speak louder than words; and women, aka animal activists, across the country are busy proving me right.

The sinking ship of the desert

My first inspiration comes from three women, who at this very moment are on their way to court.

Not many of us know that camels have been declared as endangered species by the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Recourse (IUCN) or that the Rajasthan Camel Act 2015 makes any injury caused to the animal a punishable offence.

Nonetheless, they continue to me trafficked illegally and openly. Between the traffickers and the authorities there exists a deep-rooted nexus. Case in point: Even though trafficking of camels is prohibited in the state of Rajasthan, 61 camels travelled from Rajasthan to Kishanganj in Bihar. In fact, it is here that 53-year-old artist Nitasha Jaini, 34-year-old operations manager Anjali Anand, and 33-year-old education professional Neeru Gupta intercepted the criminals and registered a case at the Kishanganj police station.

Backed by Dhyan Foundation, an animal welfare NGO, on December 5, 2016, the women fought the case in court and got release orders for 61 camels to rehabilitate them in a shelter in Rajasthan. Unfortunately, without their knowledge, a stay was put on the release order on December 14.

The three women are hopping mad, as one camel died because of the delay. If they are not shifted back to their natural habitat, more will die.

"Bihar doesn't provide the living conditions conducive for camels and neither is their feed and fodder available. We are extremely shocked at the decision as camels are not allowed outside Rajasthan at the first place, why put a stay?" says Jaini.

To add insult to injury, the security of these women is also a big issue. "All of us continue to receive threats by the so-called owners of the animals, despite the fact that not one of them has a single document, which is mandatory for transporting animals," say Gupta and Anand in unison.

Not a moo point

Head south of Bihar and you find another amazing example of bravery and courage in Orissa. Here, whether it is raining, it’s biting cold or hot and humid, Jagpreet Luthra, honorary animal welfare officer with the Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI) and spokesperson, Gau Gyan Foundation, can be found at the Seragarh toll gate on NH-5. Why?

"The trucks have to slow down and halt at the gate. Blocking the cattle-smugglers here, I know, can choke the main supply line to West Bengal and control the crime by 80 per cent,” says Luthra, who was a senior journalist before she turned activist.

Over 100 trucks (more like sealed containers) with cattle stuffed like sardines pass through the gate, on an average. Luthra estimates that over 4,000 cattle are smuggled every day into the slaughterhouses of West Bengal and Bangaladesh.

"Smuggler vehicles move at high speed and in a cavalcade. The escort and pilot vehicles, especially motorbikes, change every 20-30km. The Scorpios, Boleros and Xylos with armed goons inside them move long distance with the trucks, sometimes, for hundreds of kilometres. Any shortfall in their safe passage is taken care of by the Odisha highway patrol police,” explains Luthra.

She gets next to no help from the police, who give her (at best) one constable to help. Luthra refuses to give up, saying, "No effort is wasted when it comes to saving lives."

The way forward

Margaret Thatcher had it right when she said, "If you want something said, ask a man; if you want something done, ask a woman.”

Bangalore resident, and a former fitness specialist, Joshine Anthony is one such example. When she is not saving monkeys and cows from meeting a bitter end, she can be found raising her voice against the rising atrocities against dogs in Kerala. Threats have become a part of her life.

She knows only one thing, as long as there is an animal in need, she will ensure its voice is heard. Like Anthony, many more women are standing up for what they believe in.

It can be something as small as feeding a pup or reporting an abuse of a horse used for marriages or fighting for a peacock’s life, the world needs more feminists.

Also read: Why a lot of 'cool, young women' don't call themselves feminists