FASHION designer Rukudzo Memory Sarupinda (37) was last week honoured for her contribution to fashion and culture at this year’s edition of the African Women Designers Week held at the ADECC Gloria Hotel in Maputo, Mozambique.
In partnership with the Trans African Centre for Development, Green Waves Mozambique introduced the African Women Designer Week in 2019.
Sarupinda, the self-taught fashion designer told NewsDay Life & Style that having her work recognised at an international platform was a great honour.
“It is an honour working with the Green Wave’s team and its recognition of my work means so much to my career as a fashion designer. All the designers who participated at the show were challenged to think of novel ways to use fashion design to engage with communities and individuals affected by gender-based violence (GBV) in their societies,” she noted.
“To challenge issues to do with GBV, and sexual abuse in my country, I came up with the idea of looking for GBV survivors and organisations.
“I started teaching the victims designing pieces as a form of empowerment and ensuring that what one goes through does not affect their ability to financially support themselves and their families.”
While Sarupinda felt honoured, she also saw the honour as a confidence booster after facing serious challenges earlier this year which almost ended her fashion design career.
“On August 15, my bridal store caught fire, and I lost property, including machinery worth thousands of dollars. I was depressed for a few weeks before telling myself that if the people I train to survive gender-based violence and abuse can start a new life, I can do the same for my company,” she recalled.
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“Despite carrying a heavy load, I then recommenced my purpose of empowerment and began new steps in rebuilding my brand.
“I had informed the African Women Designers Week team that I would not be able to participate in this edition, but they surprised me by granting me this award and explaining that it was in recognition of the community service I provide and to inspire me to continue working even though I was in the midst of a crisis.”
Sarupinda urged all GBV survivors to remain strong because there is no situation that is permanent.
“Everyone who has gone through GBV must know that no matter what situation they might be in, they must not let it interfere with their vision andgoals. They must press on until they reach their target,” she said.
Sarupinda’s career as a fashion designer began as a hobby.
“I never went to any tailoring school, but God gave me something of great purpose. I liked creating my own African attire, and I also made sacks into bags,” she recalled.
“My wedding dress, which I designed in 2008, garnered a lot of attention on the big day.
“I made the decision to branch into bridal wear at thatpoint after realising that God had bestowed somethingwonderful and distinctive in me,” she added.
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