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 (sic) (formerly Czechoslovakia - now Slovakia and the Czech Republic) 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.
