Helping Women Imagine More with the Ubuntu Beekeeping Project
Boosting women's livelihoods is a 24/7 job for Rachel Shaul, who leads JDC's women's economic empowerment and food security programs.
By Rachel Shaul - Senior Program Director, JDC Women's Economic Empowerment & Food Security Programs | March 25, 2024
Rachel Shaul is passionate about women’s empowerment — and she brings this sense of dedication to the Ubuntu Beekeeping Project, the JDC partnership with Ripples for Change that trains South African women in beekeeping and how to launch and manage their own honey production businesses. In this Q&A, Shaul tells us about why she’s so passionate about life-enhancing programs that give women the tools they need to thrive.
Q: Tell us your story. What brought you to JDC?
A: JDC is a continuation of my life’s work and passion. After serving for eight years in Netafim, the Israeli company that invented drip irrigation and is now Israel’s largest ag-tech company, and after I researched how agricultural technologies can change the lives of women farmers in Gujarat, India, I know first-hand how Israeli technology and know-how can improve the livelihood and well-being of some of the world’s poorest people. I’ve also learned that issues of food security and women’s empowerment are interconnected — that’s why it felt so right for me to help lead women’s empowerment and food security programs at JDC. I’m passionate about this work because I know we can make so much positive change.
Q: In your own words, what’s the mission of Ubuntu?
A: Before I can speak about Ubuntu’s mission, I’d like to zoom out to share a bit about Imagine More, which was established to empower women to launch their own businesses, ensure sustainable livelihoods for themselves, and increase the food security of their families and their communities.
“Our approach involves supporting women in establishing innovative businesses by giving them access to finance, as well as technology and know-how. The beauty of this model is that we’re providing the women with a strong foundation to grow their businesses and sustain their families and communities long after we’re gone.
For example, Through Ubuntu Beekeeping program (Ubuntu is Zulu for “I am because you are.”), established beekeepers serve as mentors to women from rural communities where there is high unemployment, helping them launch their own honey production businesses. When the women complete their training and produce honey, those mentors then purchase the honey from the women. This ensures that the participants have access to the market. By nurturing skills, fostering innovation, and cultivating market connections, the women chart their own path toward economic autonomy and help not only themselves but their families and the entire community — just like Lulu Letlape, an inspiring program mentor, who once told me, “Women are the key building blocks in society. By training one woman, you improve the livelihood of an entire community”.
Q: How does your work reflect and promote JDC’s larger mission?
A: At JDC, our core mission is to provide support and assistance to the most vulnerable Jewish communities worldwide. While this remains a cornerstone of our work, we are driven by our Jewish values to extend our reach and make a positive impact beyond our own communities. Our centuries-long history has taught us the importance of solidarity and support, especially in times of struggle and persecution. Thus, we are called to help others in need, too, reflecting our commitment to tikkun olam (repairing the world).
Q: Walk us through the program itself. What skills and capabilities do participants learn?
A: Our program helps empower women facing economic challenges, providing them with the tools and opportunities they need to thrive. With our partners on the ground, we operate in four locations across South Africa, training dozens of women in the art of beekeeping. Through our comprehensive curriculum, these women gain invaluable knowledge about the intricacies of beekeeping — from understanding the queen bee’s role to effectively managing hives and troubleshooting honey production.
An integral aspect of our program lies in the invaluable mentorship provided by seasoned women who have established themselves in the realm of honey production, each running their own successful beekeeping enterprises. These mentors play a pivotal role by imparting their expertise to the participants, guiding them through the intricacies of honey production, and serving as vital conduits to the market.
These mentors remain steadfast companions throughout the learning journey, ensuring that participants receive ongoing support even after the completion of their training. This holistic approach to mentorship empowers women with practical skills and nurtures their growth and success in the beekeeping industry.
And our commitment doesn’t stop there. We recognize the importance of equipping the participants with essential business skills, paving the way for sustainable economic growth. That’s why, alongside beekeeping training, we are beginning to offer comprehensive financial management and entrepreneurship courses.
Q: What kind of impact have you seen so far?
A: These remarkable women are on a transformative journey through beekeeping, acquiring new skills and establishing their own businesses. The art of honey production is unfolding before their eyes, and we are witnessing the tangible results of their hard work — their very first honey harvest.
This program has become a nexus for women, forging connections, facilitating collective learning, and fostering personal growth within a unified framework. This journey has cultivated a profound sense of solidarity among them, serving as a bedrock of support. Through shared experiences and mutual encouragement, they are finding resilience within this new community of beekeepers. The women themselves attest to its profound influence, describing it as an ongoing wellspring of inspiration.
“Some of us came into this program thinking that beekeeping was only for men,” one Ubuntu participant told us.“But it’s for everyone. I’ve seen women here become successful entrepreneurs in the beekeeping industry — and it’s very inspiring.”
Q: Why is women’s empowerment so crucial — for the women themselves, their communities, and the world? How does empowering women benefit all people?
A: Empowering women is crucial for fostering inclusive and sustainable development across societies. When women are empowered, entire communities benefit. By providing women with access to education, employment opportunities, and financial resources, we unlock their potential as entrepreneurs, innovators, and contributors to the workforce. When it comes to poverty, we know that women are the hardest hit. 70 percent of the 1.3 billion people living in conditions of poverty are women. We also know that women produce between 50 to 80 percent of the world’s food production, but they own less than 10 percent of the land.
While these statistics may be heartbreaking, they also highlight the potential for change. When women are empowered, they put almost 90 percent of their earnings into their households and communities, investing in education and nutrition. Imagine the magnitude of change we can inspire if we invest more in women.
When women are empowered, entire communities benefit. Firstly, empowering women leads to greater economic prosperity. By providing women with access to education, employment opportunities, and financial resources, we unlock their potential as entrepreneurs, innovators, and contributors to the workforce. Secondly, empowering women enhances social well-being and stability. When women are empowered to make decisions about their own lives and participate in decision-making processes at all levels of society, they advocate for the needs and rights of their families and communities.
All of this leads to improved health outcomes, increased access to education, and greater social cohesion. By challenging harmful gender norms and discriminatory practices, empowering women creates more equitable and just societies where everyone has the opportunity to thrive, and where women can use their voices to change
When women are empowered, entire communities benefit; imagine the magnitude of change we can inspire if we invest in more women.
Q: How do you see Ubuntu growing in the future? What’s the plan for the next 5 or 10 years?
A: Our vision for this program extends beyond economic growth and empowerment for women; we envision a flourishing community of women contributing to both societal advancement and environmental stewardship. As our initiative expands, we anticipate a growing number of women joining the ranks of beekeeping, each leverages her skills,entrepreneurial spirit and unique self. Furthermore, JDC specializes in fostering partnerships with local NGOs to enhance the lives of communities. We aim to identify new partners across Africa who stand to benefit from such a program and make a meaningful impact in their communities.
As we reflect on the progress made and the impact achieved, the journey of Imagine More continues, fueled by our commitment to creating positive change.
We all want to live in a world where we all — men and women — have access to the tools to succeed and to experience prosperity. This is where I see Ubuntu in the future.
Rachel Shaul is JDC’s senior program director for women’s economic empowerment and food security programs. Imagine More in South Africa is supported by the Horwitz and Zusman families.
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