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The process of transforming traditional women beaders from makers of personal jewellery to beading at a professional standard for economic gain has not been easy.

BeadWORKS partners with established women’s groups in conservancies to help them turn their traditional craft skills into a viable, sustainable business. There are over 1,021 women in nine conservancies now involved in the business, making beaded jewellery, trinkets and accessories. With support from NRT Trading, these products are sold to customers in the USA, UK and Australia and online via the BeadWORKS website.

Pastoralism and bead works are both social and economic activities that the community does effortlessly. In recent years, the community has been able to significantly monetize bead works and the men, who traditionally looked after cattle, have now joined the women in Saccos that help them sell their wares even in international markets.

“Initially we used to sell chang’aa but despite fetching us some income it was a source of conflict in the family. NRT has empowered us through beadWORKS and even if they leave today, we have the skills and shall go on with the trade,” says Ms Lekaria.