Interview with Zena Rkein, an inspiring Vegan Activist and Journalist
In a region often overshadowed by conflict and humanitarian crises, Zena Rkein emerges as a beacon of hope and compassion. A dedicated vegan activist and journalist, Zena has been instrumental in promoting plant-based living and animal rights in Lebanon and the wider Middle East. Based in Lebanon, she has been vegan since 2019 and specializes in media and journalism. Zena participates in street activism and is actively involved with the Lebanese Vegans NGO in their relief campaign in distributing ready meals and clothes to the homeless in the Beirut region on a weekly basis and especially lately distributing ready meals to the displaced people caused by the Israeli heavy bombing in the South of Lebanon and some areas in Beirut. Zena writes for platforms like Choose Compassion, where she addresses various topics related to animal rights and veganism. Zena's work focuses on raising awareness about animal rights, the benefits of plant-based diets, and the environment, aiming to create a more compassionate and sustainable world. Zena is part of the Middle East Vegan Society’s V-label (vegan label) distribution project in Lebanon, Jordan, Kuwait, KSA, Qatar, and Bahrain, contributing significantly to the promotion and recognition of vegan products in these regions.
In this interview, we dive deep into the inspiring journey of Zena Rkein, a dedicated vegan advocate who has transformed her life in pursuit of animal rights and environmental sustainability.
1. Can you share your journey to veganism and what early experiences or influences sparked your passion for animal rights advocacy?
My plate marked the beginning of my journey towards veganism, when I began to think about what I was eating. Every time I chewed meat or chicken, I imagined that I was chewing something mixed with blood, which was very disgusting for me, preventing me from continuing to eat. I assumed this phase would pass, but it developed from chewing food mixed with blood to asking myself, What am I eating? An animal that was killed! Am I really eating that animal that was alive a few hours ago? Every time I ate something that contained meat, I couldn't help but think about that poor animal. After about a week, I decided to stop eating meat, and I did it. That's when the social pressures from my surroundings (family, relatives, friends) began. They would ask me, Where will you get your protein from? Look at your face; it's yellow. You will suffer from iron deficiency; your health will deteriorate... In 2017, I became a vegetarian. At that point, I understood that there is no need to kill an animal to live; I can live with minimal harm; why not?
Unfortunately, I was not living in a society with enough education around veganism or what farm animals endure. So, during that period, I continued consuming dairy products, thinking it was natural as we had been taught from childhood. But thanks to social media and the simple fact that I discovered and followed vegans, I began to discover things that were shocking to me, like how cows are artificially inseminated several times throughout their lives to steal their babies' milk. When the cow can no longer reproduce, she is killed and eaten. It was extremely painful. In 2019, I became a vegan. It didn't stop at food; it also included clothing, all products I use, visiting zoos, and buying dogs... My life changed; I started living a life free of exploitation, violence, and cruelty. But what is the use of all this if I don't tell others about it? I believe that silence about injustice is participating in it, and I also believe that spreading knowledge is a human duty. Since I was young, I loved raising awareness about different things, so how could I not do so when it relates to our humanity? It was a pride for me that my name was associated with defending animal rights.
2. How do you use your skills in media and journalism to engage with the local community to promote veganism?
The main reason for choosing the career of journalism and media is animal suffering. I believe it is the most effective way to get my voice (the voice of the animal) across, whether through social media, television, or radio.
3. How did your upbringing in Lebanon shape your views on environmental sustainability?
Growing up in Lebanon had a significant impact on my orientation towards environmental sustainability. Lebanon is a country with great natural diversity, from mountains to coasts, which made me appreciate the beauty of nature and the importance of preserving it. The environmental challenges I faced in Lebanon, such as pollution and waste management, were always present in my daily life. These issues made me deeply realize the urgent need to adopt sustainable practices. Additionally, the Lebanese culture that values nature and traditional agriculture helped enhance my environmental awareness. By interacting with the local community and participating in environmental initiatives, I learned that change starts with the individual and that every small step towards sustainability can make a big difference. These experiences made me more committed to adopting a sustainable lifestyle and working to spread environmental awareness in my community. Thanks to this background, I became aware of the importance of sustainability not only on a personal level but also on a community level. This awareness drove me to work more seriously in the field of environmental awareness and contribute to creating a more sustainable future for Lebanon and the world.
4. Could you elaborate on your involvement with the Lebanese Vegans NGO and your efforts to distribute ready meals to displaced individuals following the recent war on Lebanon?
Only now can people who ask why I talk about animal suffering and not human suffering understand me. I have tried many times to say that empathy is indivisible; we cannot fragment mercy and empathy, and rejecting injustice and suffering is one for all living beings. Therefore, I found it my duty to stand by those displaced by the war, even with something simple like distributing food meals to the displaced and anyone in need, in cooperation with Lebanese vegans.
5. How do you see the impact of the V-label on consumer choices and awareness in the Middle East?
The V-label has a significant impact on consumer choices and awareness in the Middle East. With increasing interest in sustainability and animal rights, the V-label has become a symbol of trust and quality among consumers looking for vegan and cruelty-free products. This label helps guide consumers towards more ethical and healthy choices, increasing their awareness of the importance of a vegan diet and its positive impact on animals, the environment, and health. The presence of the V-label on products also enhances the credibility of companies and encourages more companies to adopt sustainable and responsible practices. Ultimately, the V-label contributes to creating a more conscious and sustainable society in the Middle East by promoting ethical and healthy values. This positive impact extends to improving public health and reducing environmental impact, making the V-label a powerful tool in achieving positive change in the region.
6. What advice would you give to aspiring vegan activists and advocates? How can they make a positive impact on the world?
Start by educating yourself about the suffering that animals endure in the meat and dairy industries. Use this knowledge to raise awareness among your friends, family, and community about animal rights and the importance of treating them with kindness and respect. Join groups and organizations that advocate for animal rights, as participating in these groups can provide you with the necessary support and information, as well as opportunities to collaborate on larger awareness campaigns.
Learn how to communicate effectively with others about the importance of animal protection using positive and encouraging language, and avoid criticizing or attacking others for their dietary choices. The goal is to inspire others, not to force them. Reach out to local restaurants and stores to encourage them to offer plant-based options and support companies that commit to producing cruelty-free products. Use social media platforms to spread your message by sharing success stories about animal rescues and news about the environmental benefits of a plant-based diet. You can also collaborate with influencers in the animal rights field to increase the reach of your message.
Stay updated with the latest research and information on animal rights to provide accurate and up-to-date information when speaking with others. Remember that change takes time, and not everyone will adopt a vegan lifestyle immediately, but with patience and understanding, you can make a gradual positive impact to protect animals.
Conclusion
In a region where challenges abound, Zena Rkein's unwavering commitment to veganism and animal rights shines as a testament to the power of compassion and advocacy. Her journey from a curious eater to a staunch vegan activist and journalist underscores the transformative impact of awareness and education. Through her work with the Lebanese Vegans NGO and the Middle East Vegan Society, Zena not only supports those in need but also drives a broader movement towards ethical and sustainable living.
Her dedication to raising awareness, both through direct community engagement and impactful media platforms, highlights the crucial role individuals play in fostering a more humane and environmentally conscious world. By sharing her story and insights, Zena inspires others to join the cause, reminding us all that true empathy extends to all living beings. Her efforts, coupled with the growing influence of initiatives like the V-label, pave the way for a future where kindness and sustainability prevail, proving that every small step towards change can lead to significant, lasting impact.