The Gumare Cooperative, known as Ngwao Boswa—which translates to “Cultural Heritage”—is a collective of over 100 women from the village of Gumare in northern Botswana. The cooperative was established to support its members in marketing and selling their handcrafted baskets to both local and international tourists.
Ngwao Boswa is a registered non-governmental organization and Trust dedicated to empowering women and promoting sustainable livelihoods. It was founded by ten women from Gumare Village in the Ngamiland District and has since expanded to include 100 registered members actively engaged in basket production and sales at its vibrant Centre.
The Centre serves not only as a production and marketing hub but also as a communal space for knowledge exchange, social interaction, and creative expression. The members produce a diverse range of baskets distinguished by their unique shapes, colors, and intricate patterns, each reflecting authentic cultural narratives. For these artisans, basket weaving is a highly valued traditional skill that has been preserved and transmitted across generations.