In the Maasai culture, young women are often married to older men, and this increases the likelihood of being widowed at a young age. Once widowed the women have very few rights. They do not have a right to own or inherit any property, and teenage widows with children are often left without a home or means to live. They are typically uneducated and unable to find work, leading to further poverty for themselves and their families. Each day they struggle just to provide food, clothing and shelter for their children.
Phera and Pana met with the dynamic Stephanie, founder of the Humanculture Organisation which the Maasai Water Project falls under, and we chatted at length about her community conservation efforts, especially in Tanzania with regard to empowering the Maasai widows in the communities she works with in Tanzania.
Inspired by the work of the Maasai Water Project and, in line with our conservation goals, through matching the funds raised by our guests conservation contribution, Ahnasa has donated 15 beehives to support widows, providing a way for them to support their families with dignity.
This project has been supported by 100 Ahnasa Guests each contributing $10.00 each and Ahnasa Matching the donation.
The widows tend the beehives to produce nutritious honey (food) to sustain their families and can also sell honey and wax products to support their own economic independence and to purchase other vital resources, like water.
Ahnasa is a women-run enterprise and we love to support and empower women. By donating the beehives to the Maasai widows, we uphold their rights and enable them to live fulfilling lives.
Ahnasa is delighted to be involved in a strategic partnership with Humanculture in a joint endeavour focusing on community development and environmental conservation. Our inaugural initiative, the Beehive/Beekeeping Project, focuses on the Maasai Widows residing in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.
At Ahnasa, our core values revolve around the conservation of local communities, wildlife, and the environment. As a women-run company, one of our target goals focuses on empowering women. This project, meticulously crafted by Ahnasa and Humanculture, underscores our commitment to these principles. By empowering the Maasai Widows with sustainable livelihood opportunities that align with their culture, we aim not only to enhance their economic well-being but also to safeguard the highly endangered bee species.
The significance of bees in our ecosystem cannot be overstated. They are pivotal to the pollination of crops, ensuring food security, and maintaining biodiversity. In a world facing numerous environmental challenges, preserving these essential pollinators is paramount. The Beehive/Beekeeping Project not only uplifts the Maasai Widows economically but also contributes significantly to the preservation of bees, thereby fortifying the delicate balance of our natural habitat.
Ahnasa are proud to be pioneers in this impactful initiative. By providing the Maasai Widows with an opportunity to earn a dignified living while simultaneously protecting our environment, we are taking a significant step toward a more sustainable and harmonious coexistence between humanity and nature.