Blossoming Opportunities: Botanical Garden, Another Milestone for “Women for Bees”, Enhances Beekeeping and Sustainability

The “Women for Bees” initiative is entering an exciting new phase in Rwanda, launched on February 27, 2025 in Gishwati-Mukura, with a focus on strengthening beekeeping practices, expanding market access, and introducing new resources to empower women in the sector. A key milestone in this expansion is the introduction of a botanical garden, which will serve as a pollinator-friendly resource to enhance honey quality and support biodiversity. In addition, the program will introduce more advanced beekeeping tools, provide further training, and improve marketing strategies including the creation of a showroom in Kigali.

Led globally by UNESCO and Guerlain, the initiative continues to uplift female beekeepers worldwide. In Rwanda, it is being implemented in the Gishwati-Mukura Biosphere Reserve, supporting women in building sustainable businesses while contributing to environmental conservation.

Scaling Up Beekeeping with New Tools and Training

Since its inception, “Women for Bees” has empowered women by equipping them with the skills and tools needed to transform beekeeping from a household activity to a sustainable business.

Ms. Marie Christine Gasingirwa, PhD, Chairperson-General Assembly, UNESCO Rwanda National Commission (CNRU) highlighted the profound change she’s seen in the participants:

“The program has come a long way because the participants’ mindset has shifted due to the training they received,” said Dr. Gasingirwa. “They now see their value, not just because others say so, but because they have learned, gained confidence, and recognized their own economic potential. They are now able to improve their households and support their husbands in managing family resources, which is significant.”

Phase II focuses on expanding production, strengthening marketing strategies, and introducing value-added products. Beekeepers in Rutsiro, where pesticide use is lower than in other agricultural regions, are uniquely positioned to capitalize on rising global demand for high-quality, pesticide-free honey.

“Production is increasing, but marketing remains a challenge,” Dr. Gasingirwa noted. “We encouraged them to establish a honey showroom in Kigali so buyers don’t have to travel to Rutsiro or Rubavu.”

Beekeeping as a Conservation Tool

Beyond its economic benefits, beekeeping also serves as a tool for conservation in the Gishwati-Mukura National Park. Kayitare Albert from the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) explained the connection between sustainable beekeeping practices and environmental preservation:

“Our primary responsibility is to support communities around the park so they can improve their livelihoods. When people have economic stability, they are less likely to engage in activities that harm the park. Initially, beekeeping was not well understood, and some traditional practices, like harvesting honey with fire, posed risks to the park. But through this program, women have been trained to adopt modern, sustainable methods that benefit both their businesses and the environment.”

The program also emphasizes the importance of passing on knowledge to future generations. “Women play a critical role in passing knowledge to their children, ensuring that conservation awareness reaches future generations,” added Kayitare.

A Botanical Garden to Support Honey Production

A standout addition to Phase II is the establishment of a botanical garden, which will include bee-friendly plants and medicinal herbs to further improve honey quality. Nyirakamineza Marie Chantal, The President of the Union des Cooperatives Apicole de Gishwati (UNICOAPIGI) and Director of Rutsiro Honey Limited, shared her enthusiasm for this new development:

This garden will provide medicinal plants for both beekeeping and traditional healing, enhancing both production and conservation,” she explained.

The botanical garden not only benefits honey production but also creates a link between sustainable agriculture, health, and environmental preservation.

Breaking Barriers for Women in Beekeeping

For years, beekeeping was considered a male-dominated field, but the “Women for Bees” program is changing that narrative. Nyirakamineza Marie Chantal recalled how cultural beliefs once discouraged women from entering the sector:

“In the past, cultural beliefs discouraged women from beekeeping. Many thought it was a man’s job. But today, women inspect hives, harvest honey, and manage their businesses just like men,” she said.

The program has had a transformative impact on the financial well-being of women beekeepers. “No beekeeper in our community struggles to pay for health insurance or school fees anymore. This shows how beekeeping is truly changing lives,” she added.

Looking Ahead: Scaling Up Impact

Phase II of “Women for Bees” is focused on providing additional training, introducing new equipment, and ensuring that the program’s sustainability is at the forefront. With the botanical garden as a key component, the initiative will continue to empower women to run successful businesses while also supporting conservation efforts in Rwanda.

Dr. Gasingirwa reaffirmed the program’s long-term commitment: “This program is not just about beekeeping; it’s about giving women the tools to build sustainable businesses and take control of their economic futures.”

As “Women for Bees” continues to evolve, its impact is shaping a stronger, more inclusive beekeeping industry, ensuring that women are at the forefront of Rwanda’s honey sector.

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