Story by Tichaona Kurewa
AS Zimbabwe celebrates Culture Month, a group of determined women in Victoria Falls is telling the Zimbabwean culture through beadwork.
What began as a small gathering of 12 women passionate about beadwork has since grown into a thriving collective of 26 artisans.
United by craft and vision, the group is using their creativity to preserve Zimbabwean culture while empowering themselves economically.
Operating under the name ‘Beads Touch’, the women craft intricate earrings, bracelets, handbags, sandals, and other accessories, which they sell to individuals and local curio shops.
Each item tells a story of cultural heritage, resilience, and ambition.
“We are empowering women not to wait for their husbands or relatives for support. Each woman must stand up and raise her children. This will improve our town and Zimbabwe in general. We appeal to the local authorities to provide us with working space where we can produce and sell our items,” group chairperson, Mrs Grace Mazungunye stated.
Founded in February 2025, the group dreams of one day displaying its work at major conferences and even representing Zimbabwe on international platforms.
But, its mission goes far beyond beadwork.
“Our target is to engage all women in this town, discouraging sex work and drug abuse, while encouraging the girl child to find strength and purpose through creative work,” Vice Chairperson of the group, Mrs Deliwe Shiri noted.
All 26 women have completed formal training, learning not only the skill of beading, but also the values of unity, confidence and cultural pride.
“We are teaching them to make these beads the African way. We want tourists who visit to appreciate our local traditions and help the women earn a living from them,” tutor, Mrs Sithembiso Mabhena said.
During this Culture Month, these women’s story stands as a testament to what happens when tradition meets determination and when women come together to build not just crafts, but strong, vibrant communities.
