Celebrating Women in Recycling

By Mashudu Mambo

TURNING scrap into functional furniture may seem unimaginable, but for Ms Beauty Hughes, it has become a source of livelihood. She transforms old tyres and discarded materials into stylish, reusable pieces of furniture, giving waste a new purpose.

Ms Hughes is the founder of Dollar Deals, a company registered as a Private Business Corporation, which she established during the Covid-19 lockdown.

“In 2020, during the lockdown, I realised I could create beautiful products from discarded items that no longer served their original purpose. That’s when I started collecting old tyres and scrap metal. I began using my artistic skills to turn trash into treasure,” she said.

She started designing both indoor and outdoor furniture, repurposing materials to create innovative products.

“I craft a range of furniture, including couches, tables, and braai stands. Additionally, I make beaded accessories from recycled plastic. My work is a fusion of creativity and sustainability,” she said.

Beyond business, her work significantly contributes to environmental conservation.

“Using scrap materials benefits my craft, but it also plays a crucial role in protecting the environment. Many local authorities do not collect scrap materials like tyres, which often become breeding grounds for mosquitoes, leading to diseases such as malaria,” she explained.

Her passion for recycling led her to learn essential skills traditionally dominated by men.

“My drive to manufacture quality products pushed me to learn welding, painting, and joinery from my male counterparts. I’m proud of my progress, and my hard work has paid off. I’ve won several innovation awards and had the opportunity to exhibit at the Innovation Hubs Symposium and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Summit,” she said.

However, thriving in a male-dominated industry has not been easy.

“My journey has been tough. Many people doubted the durability of my products simply because I’m a woman. This made it difficult to break into the market. At times, I even had to rely on male colleagues to market my products on my behalf to gain credibility,” she admitted.

Despite the challenges, she is grateful for the support she has received.

“I am thankful for organisations such as ZimTrade and the Ministry of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development. They provided encouragement and support, helping me build confidence and advance my skills,” she said.

Ms Hughes is now expanding her business into manufacturing stoves made from used oil and sawdust, further proving that sustainability and innovation can go hand in hand.

She encourages women aspiring to enter male-dominated industries to have confidence in their abilities.
“To my fellow women, believe in yourselves. No profession is exclusively for men. Women can excel in any field. We

must aspire to inspire before we expire,” she said.
As Women’s Month concludes on 31 March under the theme “Accelerate Action,” the focus remains on taking

decisive steps towards gender equality.
This celebration serves as a reminder of the systemic barriers women face in both personal and professional spheres.

It also highlights the importance of providing women with the right opportunities and support to thrive.

According to the International Labour Organisation (2024), women remain under-represented in the waste management and recycling industry, making up only 20 to 30 percent of the workforce, while 29,5 percent work in the manufacturing sector.

Closing this gap requires strategic action. Many organisations are stepping up by recognising and empowering women through training, leadership opportunities, and initiatives aimed at enhancing their skills in manufacturing and recycling.