Achieving financial independence through beekeeping
Kiran Bibi, a 22-year-old woman from a small village near Multan, southern Punjab, faced physical mobility challenges her entire life. Doctors once told her family that she would spend her whole life in a wheelchair. However, Kiran never let that deter her dream of achieving financial independence. Inspired by her vision of standing on her own feet, she took a bold step after seeing a Facebook ad for a beekeeping training organised by the Centres for Migration and Development (ZME) Pakistan in Multan on behalf of German Development Cooperation.
Supported wholeheartedly by her family, Kiran joined the 12-day beekeeping training at the University of Education. The course was specifically designed for women with special needs, offering wheelchair accessibility and a sign language interpreter. The training provided holistic technical knowledge and practical demonstrations in honeybee care and extraction. Moreover, each participant received a toolkit with essential beekeeping equipment to help them launch their businesses.
Kiran shares, “I have always wanted to be independent and not be a burden to anyone. When I heard about this training, I told my father, and he supported me wholeheartedly. This training has been life changing. Not only did they teach us the art of beekeeping, but they also provided us with everything we need to start our honey business—bee boxes, honey extraction tools, and more.”
Turning obstacles into opportunities
Kiran received three boxes along with other tools and has already harvested her first batch of honey, which is being sold on referral basis.
“I spend most of my time working with the bees now, and I am already planning to expand my honey business. I already have received multiple orders and am now working hard to set up a sustainable business” remarks Kiran.
Her father, Muhammad Mustafa, expresses his pride:
“Since childhood, I worried about my daughter’s future. The doctors said she would always need support. But now, seeing her harvest honey that will soon be sold in the market fills me with immense pride. I urge other fathers to believe in their daughters and support them in pursuing their dreams.”
Women empowerment through skill development
Kiran’s journey is a testament to resilience and the impact of empowerment programmes like ZME’s beekeeping initiative. Through skill development and in-kind support, we are fostering inclusion, creating economic opportunities, and promoting self-reliance among disadvantaged communities. Women like Kiran are not only transforming their own lives but also uplifting their families and communities.
Kiran’s message to other women is one of hope and strength:
“If I can do it, so can you. Beekeeping is not only a source of income; it’s also a way to support the environment. I’m deeply grateful to ZME for giving me and so many other women the tools to contribute to society.”
Learn more about Kiran’s journey in this video: