In Bethlehem’s south, difficult economic circumstances have been worsened by an unstable political situation. Steady incomes are hard to come by. But a World Vision beekeeping project is empowering women and improving the economic situations of poor families.

For Hajer, supporting her four children has been an ongoing struggle. Her husband frequently suffers health problems and can only work part-time. But things changed for Hajer when she attended a course in beekeeping.

The course was part of World Vision’s Women’s Empowerment project and Hajer is now one of 120 women managing beehives. They have learned and are using new skills: feeding the bees, checking for eggs and monitoring diseases.

The women each contribute a small sum of money to the project, fostering empowerment and ownership. “The amount is not big but has a big influence among the women; they feel that the project is their own,” Hajer said.

Bee farming is hard work but Hajer and the other women - bee stings and all - believe in the benefits of the project. Beehives, if properly nurtured, can produce additional beehives. This presents exciting income-generating opportunities.

Hajer has found ways to apply her new skills in management and economics to her daily life, and she is busy encouraging other women in the community to participate.

“I like helping my family and other families in my village,” says Hajer. “This project has added a lot to my life.” 

Generating an income is an important first step toward the elimination of poverty. If you'd like to know more about the work World Vision does to help families and communities become self-sufficient, visit our SEE Solutions page.