To commemorate International Women’s Day, our team had the privilege of sitting down with two remarkable beaders from Sidai: Maria Olenasha and Naarkishumu.
In their interviews, the women delve into the significance of beading in their lives and the empowerment it brings as women in their community.
MARIA OLENASHA
Below, Maria Olenasha, an educated Maasai woman and a valued member of our team, shares her profound insights. Maria is not only a skilled beader but also a strong advocate for her fellow Maasai women, making her perspective all the more invaluable.
1. Could you please share a bit about yourself and your journey into beading with Sidai?
My name is Maria Olenasha, and my involvement with Sidai began through an organization called Mviwata, based in Namanga, Tanzania.
2. How long have you been a part of the Sidai community?
I have been a member of Sidai since 2017. During the Covid19 pandemic, when Mviwata ceased operations, we returned home briefly and rejoined Sidai in 2021.
3. What does beading mean to you personally and culturally?
Beading is not only a personal passion but also a cultural tradition for me. It symbolizes beauty and creativity. Culturally, it holds significance as part of women’s responsibilities.
4. How have your beading skills evolved over the years?
Sikufahamu kama unaweza kufanya mambo mengi hivi kwa kutumia shanga mpaka nilipofika Sidai.
I never knew there is so much that could be done with beads until I came to Sidai.
Since joining Sidai, my beading skills have transitioned from traditional to a blend of contemporary and traditional styles, thanks to Sidai's guidance.
5. What challenges do you face as a Maasai woman, particularly as one who earns her own income, and how do you overcome them?
Initially, my husband was hesitant about me working for Sidai, fearing I might engage with men from town.
Kuna kipindi tulikua tunachukuliwa kama wasaliti.
There was a time we were considered as traitors.
Over time, he recognized the benefits of my work as it supported our family financially.
6. How has beading empowered you and other women in your community?
Beading has provided me with a stable income, fostering financial independence. It enabled me to educate and provide for my children, while also getting recognition as a valued member of the community.
7. How do you feel about being celebrated on International Women's Day as a Maasai woman and beader?
Being celebrated on International Women's Day fills me with pride. Previously, women from rural areas like ours were often overlooked. Now, through my skills, I feel appreciated and valued within my community and beyond.
8. What message would you like to share with women worldwide?
To my fellow women worldwide, let us work hard and nurture our children in a manner that protects the interests of future generations.
9. What are your hopes and aspirations for the future of Maasai beadwork and the women involved in it?
I am concerned about the fading tradition of Maasai beadwork due to the influence of modern lifestyles. I hope society takes steps to inspire young people to embrace and preserve their cultural heritage. In my village, I am part of a group advocating for this cause, on a small scale. We hope that such efforts will expand across the country, reaching more youngsters and making a significant impact.
NAARKISHUMU
Meet Naarkishumu, a remarkably talented and dedicated beader who has been an invaluable member of our team for the past 10 years. She generously shares her deep insights and the challenges she navigates, as well as her hopeful aspirations for the future of Maasai women.
1. Could you please share a bit about yourself and your journey into beading with Sidai?
My name is Naarkishumu. I was introduced to Sidai by a friend named Naamaka, when the office was still at Kwa Mrefu. I received training in the leather technique shortly after.
2. How long have you been a part of the Sidai community?
I joined Sidai in 2014, and this year marks my 10th year with the community. I am grateful for the experience as it has allowed me to meet women from across the country and has improved my general beading skills.
3. What does beading mean to you personally and culturally?
Beading has been a part of my life since childhood. I find joy in creating personal ornaments and generating income through selling beaded accessories. Culturally, beading is integral to womanhood, particularly in the Maasai community. Our skills often get admiration from non-Maasai individuals.
4. How have your beading skills evolved over the years?Sidhani kama kuna mwanamke wa kimasai aliyekulia nyumbani ambaye hafahamu kushona shanga
I do not think there is a single Maasai woman who grew up (in the village) and does not know how to bead.
I can say it has improved a lot because when I came here, I could only make certain products because I was not familiar with other complex techniques. With time, I was able to learn complex techniques, which has increased my earnings and now I have a lot more to offer to the market.
5. What challenges do you face as a Maasai woman, particularly as one who earns her own income, and how do you overcome them?
The biggest challenge I am facing is being far from my family. To see my children, I have to travel more than 200kms to Ngorongoro, which apart from being costly, it is tiring as well because as you can see, I am not a young lady anymore (laughs).
Another big challenge is not having a stable side business, apart from Sidai. Sometimes the income from Sidai is not sufficient to cover all the needs, because I am supposed to provide for my family, since I am a widow.
6. How has beading empowered you and other women in your community?
Beading has granted me financial independence. It has facilitated saving and investment opportunities. As a widow, it has alleviated potential hardship by providing for basic needs.
7. How do you feel about being celebrated on International Women's Day as a Maasai woman and beader?
I am proud to be recognized among the independent women in my community. It's an opportunity for my children to have a positive role model.
8. What message would you like to share with women worldwide?
Wanawake wajitahidi ili waweze kujisaidia wenyewe kwanza, pamoja na familia zao, ili kupunguza uteegemezi kwenye jamii.
Women should strive for financial independence to support themselves and their families, reducing dependency on society.
9. What are your hopes and aspirations for the future of Maasai beadwork and the women involved in it?
I hope the art of beadwork will continue to be passed down through generations, providing opportunities for liberation from dependency and fostering respect within society.
Here's to strong women. May we know them, may we raise them, may we be them. Happy International Women's Day!
