Feminism and Veganism
(Hier gehts zum deutschen Artikel)
"For anyone who embraces the motto ‘My body, my choice’ as part of their life philosophy,
eating animal products stands in stark contradiction to that belief."
What is Feminism?
Feminism is both a political movement and a life philosophy advocating for equal rights and opportunities for women and men.
Why Do We Need Feminism?
Modern society remains deeply influenced by patriarchal systems. The oppression of women is evident worldwide through unequal pay for the same qualifications and positions, widespread sexual violence, domestic abuse that often escalates to femicides¹, and countless other examples rooted in systemic inequality. This imbalance is particularly glaring in global leadership, as most governments continue to be dominated by men².
What Does Feminism Have to Do With Veganism?
In animal agriculture, humans exploit the reproductive systems of female animals until they are “spent” and their production declines. For hens, this means taking their eggs. For cows, sheep, and goats, this means taking the milk they produce for their babies, who are separated from them shortly after birth. This exploitation mirrors forms of oppression feminism seeks to dismantle.
For anyone championing “My body, my choice,” consuming animal products contradicts this principle. These animals are oppressed; they have no autonomy or choice. By supporting these industries, individuals perpetuate their suffering.
The Reality of Laying Hens
Laying hens are bred to produce approximately 30 times more eggs than their wild counterparts. This unnatural demand severely damages their health, with over 86% of hens suffering from osteoporosis³ due to calcium depletion. They live their entire lives in overcrowded, unsanitary conditions, whether in cages or barns, leading to constant stress and disease—even in organic systems. Once their egg production declines, they are slaughtered.
These hens never meet their mothers, never experience freedom, and endure a lifetime of exploitation until they are deemed “spent” and killed.
The Reality of Dairy Cows
Dairy cows experience relentless cycles of forced reproduction. Shortly after giving birth, their calves are taken from them. The calves are fed milk substitutes while their mothers are hooked to pumps to extract their milk, which was meant for their offspring.
Artificial insemination involves forcibly restraining the cow while a worker inserts an arm into her rectum to position her cervix and then injects semen into her vagina using an AI (artificial insemination) gun. This process is repeated annually. For 70% of dairy cows, this overproduction leads to painful udder edema⁴. The physical and emotional toll leaves them exhausted after about six years, at which point they are slaughtered.
Dairy cows are not seen as individuals in this system but as reproductive machines. This mirrors societal issues where women have historically been reduced to their reproductive capabilities rather than being valued as whole individuals.
The Exploitation of Female Animals in All Industries
All animal industries are fundamentally based on the exploitation of the female body. The majority of animals used in agriculture are bred through forceful impregnation, ensuring continuous reproduction to maintain the supply of products such as milk, eggs, and meat. This systemic manipulation of their reproductive systems strips female animals of autonomy and reduces them to mere tools for production. The practice reflects and perpetuates the same oppressive dynamics feminism seeks to challenge in human society.
Aligning Feminism and Veganism
If we fight for women’s rights and bodily autonomy, it is vital to align our actions with those values. Consuming products derived from the exploitation of female animals contradicts the principles of equality and freedom we strive for.
Let’s advocate for women’s rights while nourishing ourselves with foods free from the oppression we aim to oppose.
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