Happy International Women's Day!

At CPI, we believe in "deeds not words".

We take a hands-on approach when working with grassroots organisations to save the lives of vulnerable street animals.

This belief drives our aim to educate and empower communities alongside providing emergency treatment and feeding schemes, re-homing rescues with local families and carrying out vaccination and sterilisation programmes. 

To mark International Women's Month, we want to celebrate and say a special thank you to our incredible female supporters and volunteers who work hard to alleviate the suffering of street animals.

CPI is passionate about empowering women within our organisation and in the wider world. We are proud to say that 77% of our central team are female and we will continue to listen and work with local women whose strength and presence should be celebrated every day of the year

“To tell a woman everything she cannot do is to tell her what she can.”

– Spanish Proverb

Meet Rica Yambasu one of CPI's hardworking Animal Ambassadors:

Rica Yambasu is one of CPI's hardworking Animal Ambassadors who are on the ground volunteers passionate about educating the local community and animal welfare and saving the lives of street animals in Sierra Leone.

The 19-year-old software engineering and networking student said women "work tirelessly" to help animals but more needs to be done to include them in animal welfare initiatives. 

Rica said: "Women are often at the forefront of work to help animals. There are many women who work tirelessly to improve animal welfare so it is important that women are involved in projects.

"However, gender inequality is still prevalent at all levels in Sierra Leone. Women experience high levels of poverty, violence and discrimination."

When asked why she became a CPI Animal Ambassador, Rica said: "I am an animal lover so it is a privilege to help rescue and protect animals. I especially want to improve the lives of street dogs in Sierra Leone. 

"Sierra Leoneans must start treating animals with the same respect as we give humans. If people are incapable of taking care of an animal, they should not have a pet. 

"Sadly the cruelty against animals in this country is getting out of hand. Many people think it is just an issue for animal lovers but it can impact everyone. For example, the large number of street dogs is a discouraging sight for tourists. This is everyone's responsibility."

Meet Rebecca Hampson,

one of CPI's Veterinary Advisors:

The role of women in animal welfare is essential but there has been little research exploring the relationship between female empowerment and improving the lives of animals.

CPI veterinary advisor, Rebecca Hampson has spent the last year studying the link between the challenges faced by female subsistence farmers in Malawi and the welfare of their animals. 

She said: "Typically, women are the primary caregivers. They carry out household tasks and are expected to care for livestock. Despite this, they often have less access to education, land and credit than men. Women also tend to be excluded from the decision-making process surrounding care for the livestock. 

"As it is usually women who care for animals, empowering them is likely to lead to improved animal welfare.

"There is evidence to show that when women are financially independent and involved in family decision-making, household and child nutrition improves. This dynamic can also be applied to animal welfare. Livestock is key to alleviating poverty because it provides nutrition and money.

"Across the world, women often hold the lowest status and receive the lowest pay. Empowering women to improve the welfare of their animals is essential to increasing productivity of their animals and in turn improving human health - we are all linked."

New month, New updates!

At CPI, we are proud to directly work with grassroots organisations so 100% of donations go straight to helping vulnerable street animals.

This means no donations are spent on salaries or administrative costs.

Our team contributes their own time and in many cases, their own money, so animals can fully benefit from your generosity.