By: Franchesca Cu-Pyun, San Francisco State University
The History and Significance of Women’s History Month
American women have made remarkable strides in securing their rights and shaping the nation’s history. Their resilience, innovation, and leadership have propelled modern movements that continue to inspire change. Since 1987, March has been dedicated to honoring the invaluable contributions and sacrifices of women throughout history. This annual celebration raises awareness, amplifies representation, and challenges traditional narratives to ensure that women's achievements are recognized and celebrated.
Women’s Impact in Beekeeping and Agriculture
In the beekeeping industry, female beekeepers and participants are transforming the male-dominated field while being stewards of the environment. In 2012, the USDA reported that only 6.9% of U.S. farmland operations were led by women. A decade later, that number increased to 36%.
Spotlight on Cara Ching: Educator and Beekeeper
To highlight one of the many role models making an impact today, Planet Bee Foundation had the chance to interview Cara Ching. In addition to be an amazing volunteer at Planet Bee, Cara co-manages a two-year educational program in San Francisco that focuses on educating future beekeepers. Her work in beekeeping began and flourished at San Francisco Bee-Cause (SFBC), where she was able to dive in and commit in a way her previous jobs did not allow. She has not looked back since.
After some time at SFBC, she discovered her passion for teaching and took on responsibilities as an educator, leading STEM-based classes on bee education and stewardship. These include theoretical lessons paired with hands-on hive experiences. Other contributions include teaching bee anatomy through dissections and exploring sustainable uses of beeswax, such as candle making and wax cleaning.
Her favorite bee family is Bombus (bumble bees) because, as she puts it, “they’re so huge and fuzzy,” and she loves “watching and listening to them in the CA poppies” on her hillside.
Here’s what she had to say about her experience, recommendations, joys, concerns, and insights on beekeeping:
What do you think are the biggest challenges or misconceptions about beekeeping and pollinator conservation, and how do you address these concerns through your work?
“Any education or attention given to bees is a great thing, so I try to do multiple educational events a month. My passion and enthusiasm for honey bee education and all things honey bees are evident to visitors. Our apiary is planted with native plants for both native bees and honey bees. (I would love to learn more about native bees to better understand their relationship with honey bees.)”
As a woman in beekeeping, what has your experience been like in this field? Have you encountered any unique challenges or perspectives that you think are important to share?
“The SF community has embraced beekeeping and honey bees, and we bring bee education to schools, libraries, and any event we can staff. I see no difference when it's a man or a woman leading the event. I will comment that this is a real concern, though, as I have been approached about helping start a ‘women in beekeeping’ group. I also joined a ‘women in beekeeping’ Facebook group, and we did a meet-up at the Honey Bee Expo in Kentucky this year. I don't believe that would happen if it were a mixed group. I mentor a small group of women beekeepers, but it’s an all-women group simply because they decided to own their hives immediately after completing our program a year ago, and no males chose to have their own hive.”
What tools or resources do you recommend for someone interested in starting their journey in bee stewardship?
“Resources I recommend: Join your local beekeeping association and volunteer when there are opportunities to go into a hive. Meet other experienced beekeepers. Find a mentor and establish clear guidelines on how many times you'll inspect together and how they will teach you. Since there's no real winter here, I recommend reading Beekeeping in Coastal California by Jeremy Rose: http://www.calbeebook.com.”
Cara Ching’s journey in beekeeping not only strengthens pollinator conservation but also builds stronger communities and fosters a future generation of environmentally conscious beekeepers. Stories like hers are a testament to how we can progress together and advance conservation efforts. By celebrating inspiring, knowledgeable, and dedicated role models, we encourage you to reflect on and continue to support the women in your life who have made a tangible impact on your communities. Whether through mentorship, education, or direct action, there are many ways to achieve a sustainable, pollinator-filled future. Diversity strengthens efforts and communities alike.
If you’re inspired by Cara’s story and want to get involved, you can find her at the SF Bee-Cause group.
References:
“Women’s History Month: A Commemorative Observances Legal Research Guide.” Library of Congress. Accessed 20 February 2025. https://guides.loc.gov/womens-history-month-legal-resources/history-and-overview
2012 Census of Agriculture Highlights. USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service. September 2014. https://www.nass.usda.gov/Publications/Highlights/2014/Highlights_Women_Farmers.pdf
2022 Census of Agriculture Highlights: Female Producers. USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service. 2024. https://www.nass.usda.gov/Publications/Highlights/2024/Census22_HL_FemaleProducers.pdf