In a significant development, UNESCO and Guerlain's groundbreaking Women for Bees programme has extended its sphere of influence to the African continent, specifically to the Gishwati-Mukura Landscape Biosphere Reserve in Rwanda. This pioneering initiative, now in its third year, continues to champion the empowerment of women through beekeeping training while emphasizing the crucial role of bees in biodiversity conservation.
Empowering Rwandan Women Through Beekeeping
The Women for Bees programme, initiated by UNESCO in partnership with Guerlain, marks a noteworthy milestone by expanding its mission to the Gishwati-Mukura Landscape Biosphere Reserve in Rwanda. The primary objective of this programme remains the empowerment of women through sustainable beekeeping, offering them essential training, techniques, valorizing their local knowledge and combining it with scientific insights. Simultaneously, it fosters a profound understanding of the key role played by bees in local biodiversity and ecosystems.
This latest chapter of the Women for Bees programme in Rwanda witnessed the graduation of 33 Rwandan women, representing three local beekeeping cooperatives. In early September, The Director-General of UNESCO, Audrey Azoulay, personally met some of these remarkable women to witness and celebrate their achievements. These women, who completed a comprehensive six-month training programme with distinction, have not only acquired newfound skills but have also nurtured greater self-reliance. The impact of this training extends beyond their individual lives, positively influencing the quality of life for themselves and their families. Audrey Azoulay's visit served as a testament to the program's significance and its transformative effect on the lives of these women and interactions with their environment.
Beekeeping inspires me to think big, and through it, I know I can overcome significant challenges.
Transforming the Landscape of Beekeeping in Rwanda
Beekeeping in Rwanda has deep historical roots, characterized by traditional practices where honey served as both a staple food and a medicinal product. Traditionally, beekeeping has predominantly been a male-dominated vocation, a paradigm that the Women for Bees programme is determined to change. Despite the trainees' initial exposure to beekeeping through male family members or acquaintances, this programme equips them with modern beekeeping knowledge and skills and provides them with modern types of beehives and beekeeping material, effectively contributing to bridging the gender gap within the industry.
One pivotal outcome of this initiative is the profound understanding it has cultivated among the women regarding bee biology and contemporary beekeeping practices. Armed with this knowledge and driven by their entrepreneurial spirit, these women are poised to transform beekeeping into a multifaceted enterprise, encompassing not only an increase in honey production but also active participation in pollination processes and the creation of various bee-based products.
The Women for Bees programme in Rwanda has yielded transformative results, not only in terms of economic empowerment but also in enhancing the daily lives of its participants. Many of the trainees have been able to provide education for their children, improve their living conditions, and explore new entrepreneurial opportunities through beekeeping. The impact of beekeeping transcends monetary gain; it opens doors to a multitude of possibilities.
Building a Women's Network Based on Collaboration
A remarkable aspect of the Women for Bees programme in Rwanda is the sense of unity and mutual support that it has instilled among its participants. Through collaborative endeavors and the exchange of ideas, these women are not only transforming their individual lives but also creating a network of empowered female beekeepers.
While there are no immediate plans to expand the number of trainees, the focus remains on strengthening the network of 33 women who will consolidate their knowledge and experiences. These women will serve as trainers of trainers, sharing their expertise with other aspiring beekeepers among women and girls and nurturing the growth of women in beekeeping in Rwanda.
The Women for Bees programme in Rwanda stands as a testament to the transformative potential of beekeeping and the unwavering determination of women to achieve success. It is a narrative of empowerment, sustainability, and the vital role that women play in bee conservation and environmental protection. The Guerlain x UNESCO Women for Bees programme heads to Rwanda with enhanced support for local women, beekeeping training, and scientific backing.
The commitment of the Women for Bees programme to women's empowerment transcends geographical boundaries. In 2024, the programme will extend its beekeeping training initiative to women in China, furthering its mission to empower women and protect bee populations on a global scale.
