Financial exclusion and economic fluctuation affecting female artisans

Female artisans who are running small entreprises are concerned by financial exclusion and the continuous fluctuation of the economy as this is affecting the number of products that they produce.

This was said by Unami Dube who is a Programmes Officer at Hand in Hand Zimbabwe.

“Due to financial exclusions and fluctuations, SHGs are forced to produce relatively small volumes of products that cannot meet the market demand,” she said.

Dube said this during an exhibition at the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair where seven Hand in Hand Zimbabwe operational districts exhibited wares from 300 women led enterprises.  She also noted that women who were previously exporting their products to neighbouring countries were disturbed by the emergence of the covid-19 lockdowns which made them break ties with their market.

“Prior to the coronavirus outbreak, some entrepreneurs had secured markets in South Africa, notably, women into craft from the Bulilima and Chirumanzu districts used to supply sisal mats, baskets, and vases among others in South Africa. More groups are currently in the process of getting their products certified. This will enable them to reach out to bigger and external markets,” she said.

Dube cited that the ZITF is an opportunity for creating market linkages as entrepreneurs get an opportunity to sell products to buyers and consumers in order to increase income.

“It is an opportunity for relationship building with different value chain actors. Our entrepreneurs are getting an opportunity to interact and network with different people from the business community for partnership knowledge and idea-sharing,” said Dube.

Hand in Hand Zimbabwe operates in Bulilima, Chikomba, Chirumanzu, Gwanda, Lupane, Nkayi and Shurugwi districts. Since inception, Hand in Hand Zimbabwe has mobilised at least 21162 smallholder farmers. 80% of whom are women while 20% are youth and men into. The organisation has created at least 2374 self-help groups and 14 460 enterprises.