In the heart of West Nile, a sweet revolution is underway, driven by the golden nectar of locally sourced honey. At the forefront is Ayikoru Patience Poni, a lawyer and youth leader whose honey startup, i-Koru’s Honey Store, is more than just a business; it’s a vehicle for empowering women in West Nile.
In 2022, after an enriching coffee meeting with H.E Maria Hakansson, the Ambassador of Sweden to Uganda where they discussed Gender and Socio-Economic Change, Youth Inclusion, and the power of economic empowerment in reducing gender inequality, Patience began contemplating a venture to uplift women in her region. This reflection, years later, led to the birth of i-Koru’s Honey Store.
#FeministFriday and my day started with inspirational chat on gender issues in the broadest sense with @PeshPoni. Fully agree with her point on econ empowerment & financial independence being key. Could it bee the future @UN_Women Executive Director I met? Very possible. 👏 💪 pic.twitter.com/3XQQnGGMWf
— Amb. Maria Håkansson (@SwedEnvoyUganda) January 14, 2022
The name Ayikoru has a beautiful meaning (it translates to ‘happy/happiness),’ much like the name ‘Sanyu’. This special name is also the inspiration behind the name of i-Koru’s Honey Store, where every jar of honey brings a touch of sweetness and joy from West Nile. Just as the meaning suggests, the enterprise aims to spread happiness with every product.
i-Koru’s Honey Store was started with a simple yet powerful mission: providing pure, high-quality honey while simultaneously fostering sustainable economic growth in underserved communities. Ayikoru Patience Poni’s vision stems from her passion for women’s rights and gender equality. She identified a significant market gap and, more importantly, an opportunity to uplift the women in her community.
West Nile has a rich beekeeping tradition, producing honey with a unique flavor. However, many women beekeepers in the region struggle to access fair markets, limiting their financial independence. i-Koru’s Honey Store bridges this gap, connecting these women directly to consumers. By offering a reliable platform to sell their honey and adding value through branding and packaging, Ayikoru Patience Poni is transforming the landscape for female beekeepers, allowing them to share the unique flavor of West Nile with a wider audience.
It’s widely acknowledged that rural Ugandan women face significant economic disparities, since they often rely on agriculture but have limited resources and market access. According to the Uganda Bureau of Statistics, women make up over 76% of Uganda’s agricultural workforce, yet they earn considerably less than their male counterparts. i-Koru’s Honey Store directly addresses this challenge, creating economic opportunities that improve women’s livelihoods.
Through its work with women beekeepers, i-Koru’s Honey Store helps them increase their income and achieve self-sufficiency. The impact extends beyond individual farmers, strengthening families and entire communities. Increased financial stability translates to better education for children, improved healthcare, and greater overall well-being.
“Our mission is to strengthen food systems by ensuring equitable access to markets and fair trade for smallholder farmers in the region,” explains Ayikoru Patience Poni. “By supporting women in beekeeping and agriculture, we address gender inequality and create opportunities for them to become leaders.”
i-Koru’s Honey Store’s unwavering commitment to social impact sets it apart. It’s not just about selling honey; it’s about creating sustainable change. The business ensures that all honey is pure, affordable, and traceable, benefiting consumers while empowering rural farmers. This focus on quality and traceability builds trust and connects consumers to the inspiring stories of the women behind the honey. Honey, with its numerous health benefits, including boosting immunity, aiding digestion, soothing sore throats, and providing natural energy, becomes a valuable addition to daily diets.
We are Fully Online!
— i-Koru’s Honey Store 🍯 (@ikorushoney) February 11, 2025
Get all your pure honey from the hives of West Nile delivered straight to your doorstep 🛒🍯
📦 Fast delivery
🍯 100% pure & natural
💛 Hassle-free
Shop conveniently from your phone or computer! ☎️ 🇺🇬
Call or text us: +256 750 204 996/ 0772 751 808 pic.twitter.com/X9GJHWprsp
Ayikoru Patience Poni is proving that entrepreneurship can be a powerful tool for positive change. She’s not just changing the narrative for women in West Nile; she’s writing a new one where women are financially independent, empowered, and leading the way towards a more sustainable and equitable future. i-Koru’s Honey will soon be available in more supermarkets. In the meantime, customers can order directly by calling 0772751808 or 0750204996.
