Most people, even those familiar with African society or culture, have a very human-centric view and understanding of Africa and its inhabitants. They hear of the human suffering, the abject poverty of her people, and the enormous health and environmental challenges her people face each day, but have little or no awareness of the existence of animals in their midst. Forgotten are the non-human co-inhabitants of this vast and majestic continent, their trials and tribulations, their daily challenges to survive under harsh conditions caused by human indifference and cruelty, and their vulnerability in the face of mother nature. This presentation intends to highlight:

• non-human animal suffering at the hands of humans
• the causes of their suffering
• the commonality of oppression
• the challenges facing non-human animals in the 21st century
• the need to advocate for human rights and animal rights
• the animal right vs animal welfare issue
• what can be done to improve the status of animals