Women beekeepers 'astonished' by global response to world record attempt

Women beekeepers 'astonished' by global response to world record attempt

By abc.net.au
Wednesday 18/01/2023
Anita Long and Jenni McLeod founded Sister Hives Australia in 2021 to promote women beekeepers world wide.(Supplied: Sister Hives Australia)

From all over Australia to war-torn Ukraine, snow-covered Maine, and the Mongolian Steppes: Passionate women from around the globe have set a new world for "the most photos of women beekeeping uploaded in 24 hours."

The brainchild of Tasmanian-based female collaboration, Sister Hives Australia, the group hoped to make a small difference in promoting diversity in beekeeping.

But they were "blown away" by the global response when 1,300 participants answered the call — to make women feel more connected, confident, and proud of their beekeeping journey.

Co-organiser Jenni McLeod was thrilled to reveal that 2.8 million people were reached through social media using the tag #BeekeepingWorldRecord.

"It has just been astonishing. It was so exciting to see photos going up," Ms McLeod said.

"Not just from Tasmania, not just from Australia, but at least 25 countries from all over the world.

"We had women from Mongolia, Moldova, Japan, all over the USA, all over the UK, Poland, Czechoslovakia and one woman from Ukraine, who's also going to be part of our documentary."

Beekeeping in a battle zone As battle raged around her in Ukraine's capital Kyiv, Elya Inozemtseva spoke to Sister Hives Australia via Zoom about beekeeping, and her fascinating research into creating a robotic hive.

"And she was telling us that she was listening to bombs falling around her apiary, while she'd get up the next day and go and check her bees," Ms McLeod marvelled.

"For us sitting here in Australia, we're so sheltered from all of those tensions that are happening in the world and to hear her carrying on with her life like normal was just … it's hard to imagine."

Extreme Excellence World Records and Media, the only woman-founded company to design and adjudicate world records, provided support to Sister Hives Australia.

A second world record was set at Ripple Farm Landscape Healing Hub in Richmond, Tasmania, for the most women beekeepers to gather in person.

At Beerwah on Queensland's Sunshine Coast, Hive Haven's Ann Ross uploaded a photo collage of the European and stingless native Australian bees she and her husband Jeff work with, showcasing one of the insulated native hives that they make from recycled plastic.

"It's been a wonderful experience, I was just astounded at the amount of other women beekeepers, all around the globe who are out there passionate about what they do," Ms Ross said.

"I think it's extremely important to support each other; and I guess, in a male-dominated industry, to share tips and ideas of how to succeed."

Against the elements Surrounded by snow, Christine Castner was "keeping the girls warm" in the town of South China in Maine.

Her beekeeping operation revealed the resilience of the pollinators.

In January, the average maximum temperature is -2 degrees Celsius, and the minimum average a bone-chilling -13 degrees Celsius.

Mindfulness "Beekeeping isn't just about funny suits, smokers and honey — sometimes it's about prep-work, forward-thinking and time management too," Sunshine Coast beekeeper Elise Winton wrote, under her Facebook profile Missie Elise.

"It's also fun and there is a great community attached, with so many amazing women so awesome things in a very male-dominated industry."

From Canada, businesswoman and bee researcher, Dr Erica Shelley told ABC Rural that she had fun submitting her photoshopped entry by photographer Sara Geidlinger.

"In case you didn't know – women are very under-represented in beekeeping," Dr Shelley said.

"I was just looking at my Ontario group of board members and they're all men – except for a single female who is the secretary.

"It's a hard job and does require heavy lifting and a bit of risk-taking. However, over the years Best for Bees has had so many amazing women on our hive team – and they're incredible beekeepers and strong."

The experience has inspired women around the globe.

"The world record attempt has allowed us to create a much bigger network of women than we had planned or imagined possible to connect with," Ms McLeod said.

"We're very excited about the future, not just for Sister Hives Australia, but for women everywhere, in beekeeping."

The world record challenges raised funds for RiseUp Australia, supporting families impacted by domestic violence.

Story by: Jennifer Nichols and Fiona Breen

Original story link: https://www.abc.net.au/news/rural/2023-01-17/women-beekeepers-world-record-set-sister-hives-australia/101858778

FEATURE NEWS
No shortage of funds for Health Ministry – Prof. Prasad
There is no shortage of funds for the Ministry of Health to ensure that all the services and equipment are available in the hospitals. Deputy Prime...
15 hours ago
LATEST NEWS
Miss Earth Fiji Ashlin Alveena Prasad makes it into top 10 finalists of Miss Earth “Miss People’s Choice” award
As the final night of the Miss Earth pageant approaches, Miss Earth Fiji Ashlin Alveena Prasad has made it into the top 10 finalists of the global ...
10 minutes ago

OHS investigates Sigatoka resort drowning over emergency resource concerns
The Ministry of Employment’s Occupational Health and Safety Division will begin an investigation into the claims that there weren’t enough ...
14 hours ago

About 200 people live in Lautoka streets due to addiction to glue and hard drugs – Adult Teen Challenge Fiji
About 200 people are living in the streets of Lautoka with addiction to glue and hard drugs while 12 months ago there were 90 people on the ...
14 hours ago

Online Safety Commission receives reports that some social media accounts are uploading intimate videos and photos that feature other people
It has been brought to the attention of the Online Safety Commission that there are some social media accounts which are uploading intimate videos ...
14 hours ago

Health Ministry awaits decision on CWM Hospital radiology and pharmacy services normalisation
The Ministry of Health is expecting a response from the Ministry of Civil Service by this afternoon or tomorrow to ensure that radiology and pharmacy ...
14 hours ago



fijivillage Straight Talk with Vijay Narayan
Latest Videos

Stay tuned for the latest news on our radio stations

CFL radio frequencies
yb
IN DEPTH
Ratu Wiliame Katonivere declines Presidential nomination after an internal audit and investigation report
Prime Minister, Sitiveni Rabuka confirms that President Ratu Wiliame Katonivere decided to decline Rabuka's nomination of him to serve a second term ...
22 hours ago

Sashi Kiran appears on fijivillage Straight Talk With Vijay Narayan
Assistant Minister for Women, Children and Social Protection, Sashi Kiran appears on fijivillage Straight Talk With Vijay ...
3 days ago

Pio Tikoduadua appears on fijivillage Straight Talk With Vijay Narayan
Minister for Home Affairs, Pio Tikoduadua appears on fijivillage Straight Talk With Vijay ...
3 days ago

TOP