What if I told you honeybees might be the key to a peaceful Pakistan? Would you believe that tiny insects might influence the culture in an ancient nation?
Hashoo Foundation USA believes they can.
“Female empowerment is the key driver of change in any society,” Hashoo Foundation said.
Through their Plan Bee Project, the organization aims to empower women in rural Pakistan by teaching them sustainable honeybee farming practices. Since its inception in 2007, the program has successfully trained over 1,116 women in honeybee farming and has provided support for the women to start 36 honey business groups. The honey is distributed throughout Pakistan through a network of hospitality businesses.
Every step of the Plan Bee project focuses on creating sustainable resources for the female honeybee farmers. In addition to practical skills and tools, the training program provides the women with extended social capital — something they are often not afforded otherwise in the traditionally patriarchal society. The businesses that Hashoo Foundation links the farmers with are locally owned and operated, and the money earned by the farmers can help the women afford better healthcare and schooling for their families.
Hashoo Foundation also supports the women’s new social position in their communities with village meetings to discuss gender equality and the value of a monetarily stable family unit.
The men in the regions where honeybee farming is implemented often contribute to the business model by transporting honey and equipment for the farmers. Thus, Plan Bee is able to contribute to a more equal, success-oriented community model in rural Pakistan.
Honeybee farming may be a small step in the right direction for the people of rural Pakistan. If you can, please help Hashoo Foundation empower women and promote healthy communities.
Donate here to help Plan Bee train 20 more women as honeybee farmers and actors of change!
