Traders concerned over harassment in the informal sector
Informal traders say they are concerned that they have to continually experience harassment as officers that are expected to man vending bays, often solicit for sex in exchange for not confiscating traders’ wares while cross boarder traders say they are constantly at the mercy of lurking sexual predators.
This comes amid the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, an international campaign that is meant to challenge violence against women and girls.
In an interview with Jacqueline Ndlovu an informal trader from the city, she highlighted that Covid-19 had worsened women’s plight in that many of them have been subjected to a lot of abuses since its outbreak.
“As we begin the commemoration of the 16 days of activism against GBV, as women in the informal sector, we cannot let these days pass without highlighting the numerous abuses we face in our day-to-day activities. For starters Covid-19 left many men without jobs and they have been harassing and forcefully taking over our spaces which we started so that we fend for our families,” she said.
Each year, the 16 Days starts on November 25 – the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women – and runs to 10 December – Human Rights Day.
The global theme for this year’s 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, which will run from 25 November to 10 December 2021, is “Orange the world: End violence against women now!”’
“Officers responsible for manning our bays perpetuate violence in many ways as they ask for sexual favours so that they do not seize our wares which is worrying. Besides the sexual favours these men find joy in harassing women who sometimes have babies strapped on their backs, it is really sad to see our colleagues suffering while trying to eke a living,” she added.
Ndlovu called on authorities to consider strategies that will make trading areas a safe space for women where they are free from abuse.
Another informal trader, Linda Mhlanga said Covid-19 has made it difficult for cross border traders to operate.
“We relied on cross boarder trading before Covid-19 but it’s a struggle to get our wares easily without being harassed or risking rape since boarders are officially closed. One woman was raped recently while on her way from Mussina and the man told her that women think they are clever while men are suffering without jobs and no means of income.”
Mhlanga said she hopes that policies that safeguard informal traders will be followed, sharing that informal trading should not be as dangerous and frustrating.