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MWEDZI ART
COMPETITIONS
MWEDZI (“moon cycle” in Shona) combined art and activism to end period stigma, with 348 submissions depicting Zimbabwean women’s diverse experiences. Partnering with Dr Mandi Tembo(PHD), we paired the competition with a national pad-drive campaign, donating supplies to underserved schools in Mbire district. Winning artworks were featured in a Harare gallery exhibit attended by young women an health researchers, sparking conversations on menstrual equity. The pieces celebrated resilience while demanding accessible hygiene products and education.
Alannah Mushawatu 23 Harare
Simple the period pains and the bliss of the menstrual experiences. The courage, brave and brilliance of women.
Merilyn Mushakwe 32 Harare
My artwork is a digital print that will be printed on canvas. It seeks to respond to the question, "What does menstruation mean to you?" At the core of 'I Create. I Nurture' is a depiction of internal female reproductive organs, symbolising the essence of womanhood and the power within.
Nyasha Gurure 28 Harare
My monthly miracle, On the first day of this monthly tide. I find solace in the strength inside. A symphony of cramps begins to play. A reminder that nature has its way. But amidst the ache that twists and turns, I find resilience as my spirits yearns.
Nyasha Mutamba 24 Harare
They say regular exposure to pain can increase one's tolerance to it but I don't suppose the same psychology is true when it comes to menstrual cycles for me. I think it's the total opposite, the older I'm getting and the more go through my monthly cycles, the more pain I'm experiencing. I could go on and on about the physical pain which I try to keep that under control with pills and herbal teas. It's the part when my periods are in control my emotional being.
Ayanda Dabengwa 27 Harare
My piece is titled Ubufazi: A concept of African womanhood. It depicts a vision of different women in different bodies but sharing a common journey of womanhood: menstruation .
Tadiwanashe Maforimbo
19 Harare
Title:The Gift that keeps on Giving
This is a 3D collage which is a depiction of how one has to embrace the gift which we call menstruation. Although,it is a hot mess, there is beauty in it, and this is represented by the tampon "flower bouquet". Menstruation brings with it, a sense of joy and victory, hence why i chose to draw the girl doing a victory pose. The faceless nature of the girl speaks on the idea that this is inclusive of everyone, and not just myself.In my art piece, i also touch on coping mechanisms which i, and many others use during this time, such as use of sanitary pads, tampons. Use of Pain medication.
Tinotenda Munhumutema
24 Harare
Graphite and Acrylic painting. Young lady surrounded by all her tools for her cycle which help her remain composed and at ease to the outside world;
Ivy Marongedza 26 Harare
The absence for mensuration causes excessive stress and depression to a woman.
In my journey my picture describes myself. I'm 26 years and I've been patient just to see a drop of red blood. I will never give up. Mensuration gives me hope as I am yet to experience it
In my journey my picture describes myself. I'm 26 years and I've been patient just to see a drop of red blood. I will never give up. Mensuration gives me hope as I am yet to experience it
Janice Mapira 16 Vic Falls
ln this piece l have created how, and what women go through during menstruation. The hands symbolise how a man does not understand the pain that we go through with explains the phrase "No Knowledge". Some men want their desires to be fulfilled, they must understand that we can't give them that kind of desire when we are in pain which explains the phrase "Need Pleasure" The hands are controlling the woman as well and l showed it by painting ropes around the woman, they are pulling her back and preventing her from relieving herself from the pain. In order to relieve herself she needs the basics like pads, tampons, pills, and the Lord our God to help us be free, which explains why she's reaching out to them. On the lower belly of the woman l drew a crown made of thones which was worn by Jesus, it symbolises how period cramps are so painful and agonizing it's like thones are living inside your stomach and you cant reach out to remove them. This is a reminder that a woman's period is a reminder of her body's ability to create and nurture life
Nicole Lebogang Njanjiri 19 Bulawayo
The graphic design is an illustration of how the menstrual cycle is a combination of both good days and bad days in the representation of day and night. Although, the experience each month presents different complications, I feel as if that its presence in the female body is symbolic to life, fertility, beauty and femininity. As we are moving into a generation that makes its discussion less of a taboo, we need to embrace it and acknowledge its beauty and inevitable existence. Moreover, in the midst of its agony I believe that it’s a reminder that our bodies are unique and have the incredible ability to create life.
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