Unlocking IP Insights: Lupane Women's Development Trust Director Reflects on WIPO's Intellectual Property Week

In Lupane district in the Matebeleland Province, Zimbabwe, Hildigard Mufukare emerges as a beacon of empowerment. Serving as the Director of Lupane Women's Development Trust, an association of 423 female weavers, Hildigard has dedicated herself to the art of weaving while championing economic empowerment for women in her community.

Having grown up in Lupane, Hildigard holds a degree and a postgraduate diploma in development studies. Her journey led her to Bulawayo, where she found employment after the untimely passing of her husband. It was her return to Lupane, however, that ignited her passion for weaving and design, and where she recognized the potential for positive change in people's lives through creative pursuits.

Weaving, specifically basketry, became Hildigard’s chosen medium, and she soon saw it as a pathway for women with minimal capital and enough natural resources to embark on business ventures. Lupane Women's Development Trust constantly trains its 423 weavers, not only to improve the quality of their baskets but also to establish proprietary rights over the unique designs crafted by the collective.

Yet, challenges emerged when some members resigned and initiated their own ventures, appropriating the Trust's designs. Despite engaging lawyers for copyright registration, Hildigard faced hurdles. In December, Hildigard’s participation in the National IP Week proved a key for change for her and the Lupane Women's Development Trust.

“I learnt about the many different categories of IP and heard of new concepts like geographical indications for the first time” says Hildigard. Through the workshop, Hildigard realized the crucial role of IP in safeguarding the weavers' creative output and business potential.

With monthly basket sales exceeding USD 7000, Lupane Women's Development Trust’s economic impact is positioned for further growth and influence. The IP Week workshop served as a spark for change, prompting Hildigard and her team to prioritize the registration of their intellectual property to strengthen their business against exploitative practices.

Not content with keeping this knowledge to herself, Hildigard, who is also the chairperson of an association of artisans in the Matebeleland North province, plans to spread awareness about IP within the crafts sector. Her commitment to encouraging registration is not just about Lupane Women's Development Trust but extends to empowering artisans across the region.

Likely to be part of a follow up coaching and mentoring project, Hildigard seeks to support participating SMEs, enabling them to capitalize on IP tools and seize new opportunities for growth.

Empowering Growth from the grassroots

This initiative stands as a broader collaborative effort of WIPO and its partners, delivering customized IP knowledge, tools, and resources. Through strategic coaching, mentoring, and support, WIPO aims to empower SMEs by enhancing their capacity to effectively engage with the IP system. This specialized assistance not only equips SMEs with the necessary skills but also fosters a deeper understanding of how to leverage IP for sustainable growth.

Background

The Division of Africa (DA) Team, in collaboration with Zimbabwe’s Department of Deeds and Intellectual Property and the Japan Patent Office, hosted a National IP Week. The event aimed to strengthen Zimbabwe's capacity in leveraging the IP system for economic transformation. Commending Zimbabwe's proactive steps, the IP Week 2023 focused on supporting SMEs in IP as well as enhancing the capacity of universities and R&D institutions to effectively exploit research outcomes, contributing to overall economic development.