A Day of Discovery: From Bee Stings to the Strength of Women in Kerinkanne
A Day of Discovery: From Bee Stings to the Strength of Women in Kerinkanne
Our visit to the Green Aid Foundation Bee Training site in Kerinkanne took an unexpected turn, one that deepened our understanding of the community’s resilience and the challenges they face. What began as an informative session on beekeeping turned into a powerful encounter with the women of the area.
The day started like any other – buzzing bees, eager faces, and an exciting opportunity to learn about sustainable livelihoods through beekeeping. However, things quickly took an unforeseen turn when a few of us were stung by the bees. It was a sharp reminder of how closely nature and danger coexist in this environment. Deciding to take a break from the buzzing activity, we made our way down the cliff to catch the fresh breeze sweeping in from the Mara National Park.
As we rested and enjoyed the cool air, we noticed a group of women, accompanied by three young girls, making their way up the cliff. At first glance, everything seemed ordinary, but as they drew closer, we saw something that caught our attention: each of the women had large bundles of firewood strapped to their backs, a sight we hadn’t witnessed before in this part of the world. The heavy loads seemed to speak volumes about the kind of work they were doing, and we couldn’t help but feel compelled to learn more.
We decided to film the moment and share it with our broader audience on YouTube (Green Aid Foundation), hoping to shed light on the lives of these women. The women explained that gathering firewood was not only exhausting but also dangerous, especially with the ever-present threat of elephants in the area. Despite the challenges, they continued this arduous task daily, driven by the need to provide food for their families.
What struck us most was the realization that the men in the village never offered to help, dismissing the work as “women’s work.” The resilience these women showed in the face of adversity was humbling. As they spoke about their daily struggles, there was no bitterness, just a quiet determination to keep going, no matter the dangers or hardships.
It became clear to us that these women are the unsung heroes of their community. Their strength, dedication, and perseverance deserve recognition. As we listened, we couldn’t help but wonder how we, through Green Aid Foundation, might offer a solution to ease some of their burdens. Whether through advocacy, education, or even by exploring alternative livelihood options, we are committed to finding ways to support these women in their efforts.
In the end, what began as a routine visit turned into a powerful reminder of the strength of these women. They don’t seek recognition, but they certainly deserve it. Our hope is that, as time goes on, we can help alleviate some of the challenges they face, creating a brighter and safer future for them and their families.
