This month we speak to Joyce d'Silva, aged 65, Ambassador and tireless campaigner for Compassion in World Farming, a leading international organisation dedicated to improving welfare standards for farm animals.
1) You've dedicated your working life to improving the plight of factory farm animals, what inspired you to become involved in the issue in the first place?
Reading Mahatma Gandhi's autobiography many years ago really inspired me. I grew up on a farm but had never thought about how an animal would end up as meat on my plate. Once I knew I couldn't stop thinking about. I started by writing letters, going on peaceful marches and eventually became a member of Compassion in World Farming. I was a teacher at the time when a job for a campaigns officer came up there. Happily, I got the job. That was in 1985, and when the founder Peter Roberts retired in 1991, I was thrilled to be appointed the Chief Executive. Since 2005 I have been the Ambassador for the organisation.
2) What's your proudest moment of your campaign work?
Back in 1990 after long campaigning to end the keeping of pregnant sows in narrow stalls, often tethered and unable to even turn around, I had the good fortune to work with Sir Richard Body MP, who kept free-range pigs himself. He had the chance to put forward a bill of his choice and had been swamped with requests from all sorts of organisations to help them. After a long discussion about the plight of pregnant sows I said to him " No-one loves pigs like you and me Richard, how about a proposal to end the narrow stalls and tethers." He couldn't help but agree. If you know pigs, you know they have great character! A law was passed and by 1999 sows could no longer kept unable to turn round. It was a wonderful step forward for animal welfare.
3) What's the strangest thing you've had to do in your job?
Clambering up a muddy bank in the depths of the countryside at 6am in the morning trying to photograph conditions for cattle in a barren feedlot. That sounds quite strange, doesn't it?
4) What does being a Wise Woman mean to you?
I honestly believe that you are as old as you feel. I've known people in their 90s' with so much to offer in terms of creativity and energy. Age and experience has been a liberation for me. When you are younger, you are finding your way and often have less confidence. As you get older you know more about yourself and less holds you back.
5) Do you have some words of wisdom for women in their fifties and above?
Just be yourself. And be open to new experiences.
6) What was the most important piece of advice your mother gave you?
Funnily enough, I think my mother was so wise that she didn't try to give me advice. She trusted me to find my own way, and do the right thing. And strangely, her faith in me acted as a powerful guiding force.
7) What do you do to switch off at the end of a hard day?
I love Tai Chi and another, more energetic form of martial arts called Bagua. I do about three hours a week, as well as starting the day with some exercises in the morning to help get my day off to a great start. I also enjoy playing the piano - only for my own entertainment though!
8) What puts a smile on your face?
I am a sucker for a great sunset, and the absolute beauty of nature makes my heart soar. I also love to see spring lambs in the field - although this always holds a touch of sadness for me, too.
9) Who is your inspiration?
Two great people. Gandhi, whose beliefs set me on the path of animal welfare campaigning. And Peter Roberts, the founder of Compassion in World Farming, whose campaign energy and deep humility made him an absolute inspiration to be around. I'm very proud to have worked with him and learnt from him for so many years.
10) What's your favourite quote?
It would have to be a quote from Gandhi: "The world has enough for every man's need, but not enough for their greed."
There are lots of practical ways to help the welfare of farm animals. For tips and ideas go to www.ciwf.org
Read other Interviews:
Sue Haile