Women wendors struggle amid swampy trading areas in Bulawayo

By Nobukhosi Ndlovu

Local vendors at Sekusile Shopping Center in Bulawayo have expressed concern over recent rains that have increased swampy patches along their stalls, making daily trade difficult.

Women selling vegetables and small goods told this publication that rain mixing with nearby waste makes operating their stalls both challenging and unsafe.

“The water makes it hard for customers to come,” said Simphiwe, a vendor who requested anonymity. “Even if it is raining, we have to come. Sitting all day breathing in the smell is not healthy, but we need to put food on the table,” she added.

Traders said that poor waste management in the area worsens the situation, discouraging customers and raising health concerns.

Many vendors in the area also have to resort to lifting or covering their goods to protect them from mud and trash, while customers often avoid muddy spots, reducing sales for traders who rely on informal trade as their primary income.

“The swampy areas force us to improvise,” said another anonymous vendor. “We place goods on elevated platforms or cover them with a cloth. But the mud and stench are constant challenges we have to endure to support our families.”

Many of the vendors in the area are women supporting households, balancing business with family responsibilities. “Even on rainy days, there is no alternative we have to be here,” another trader said.

The combination of damaged pathways and uncollected waste has left puddles mixing with trash, creating strong odors and making it difficult for vendors to work.

Traders suggested that regular waste collection, donated rubbish bins, and designated safe trading spaces would go a long way in helping the difficulties they face.

As the world campaigns for women’s rights this month, the struggles of women in informal trading spaces highlight both their resilience and the urgent need for practical solutions to support livelihoods.

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