An animal activist used one of the UK’s fastest-growing vegan gatherings to urge unity across the movement, warning that meaningful change for animals will only come through collaboration, not division.
Sasha Jolliffe Yasawi, a team member with the International Animal Welfare Protection Coalition, took to the stage at the Vegan and Animal Rights Conference in Manchester this month to deliver a thought-provoking talk on internal culture within activism.
Speaking under the title “The Hidden Cage: Carceralism Phenomenon in the Animal Rights Movement”, Yasawi challenged attendees to reflect on how movements can unintentionally replicate systems of exclusion.
His session explored how “carceral thinking” can show up within activism itself, and called for a shift towards restorative communication, inclusive leadership and more compassionate internal practices.
But beyond the theory, Sasha used the platform to reach out directly to the vegan community, highlighting the work of the IAWPC and urging activists to broaden their focus to include global animal welfare issues, particularly those affecting free-roaming animals.
The IAWPC is a coalition of more than 80 animal welfare organisations working internationally to promote humane, science-led approaches to animal management. Its current high-profile campaign is focused on Morocco, where concerns have been raised about the treatment of free-roaming dogs in the lead-up to the 2030 FIFA World Cup.
The coalition is calling for an end to mass culling and is advocating instead for CNVR programmes, catch, neuter, vaccinate and return, widely recognised as the most effective and humane method of population control.
It has also worked with legal and animal welfare experts to redraft Morocco’s proposed animal legislation, known as Draft Law 19.25, and has submitted recommendations via FIFA, urging stronger protections for dogs and cats.
Sasha’s appearance at VARC reflects a growing effort by the IAWPC to engage more deeply with grassroots activists and the wider vegan movement, recognising the shared goal of ending animal suffering.
The conference itself has quickly become a key fixture in the UK’s animal rights calendar. Founded to unite campaigners across different disciplines, VARC brings together grassroots organisers, NGOs and new activists through workshops, talks and training designed to strengthen the movement.
Its inaugural event in 2024 attracted more than 250 attendees, with organisers aiming to expand to 400 participants as the conference grows in scale and influence.
Les Ward MBE, chairman of the IAWPC, said engagement across the movement is vital if progress is to be made.
“It is incredibly important that we engage with all kinds of animal activists, from grassroots campaigners to established organisations.
“While approaches may differ, our goal is the same. Together we are stronger, and it is only by working collectively that we can deliver lasting, meaningful change for animals around the world.”
