Vusumuzi Dube
Sukulwenkosi Dube-Matutu, Matabeleland South Bureau
A safe market has been established in Ward 17 of Umzingwane District, offering 26 traders comprising 24 women and two men, a secure and dignified working environment while promoting economic empowerment and gender-sensitive development.
The market, which has 20 flea market stalls and six kitchens, is a significant step towards protecting women entrepreneurs from harassment and promoting their independence in the informal sector.
The facility also includes bathrooms and future plans will see the addition of a play centre and children’s learning areas, enabling mothers to work while their children are in a secure and stimulating environment.
The initiative, which began under Katswe Sisterhood in January 2022 and was later completed by UN Women in partnership with the Ministry of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprise Development and the Umzingwane Rural District Council, was recently toured by the UN Women Executive Board, led by Ambassador Nicola Clase.
Beneficiaries of the project described it as a game-changer for women juggling caregiving responsibilities and the need to earn a living.
“I’m glad I’ve benefitted from this project. It means I can work while also having my child nearby. Often, we can’t pursue income-generating activities because we’re caring for young children. Now I can work throughout the day while my child is playing with others,” said Ms Petronella Ncube, one of the beneficiaries.
Another trader, Ms Sikhathele Sibanda, said the availability of bathrooms was a key improvement, adding that hygiene and professionalism would now be easier to maintain.
“This market promotes better hygiene standards, and we’re committed to upholding these high standards as part of a state-of-the-art facility,” she said.
The provincial development co-ordinator for the Ministry of Women Affairs in Matabeleland South, Mrs Merjury Sikundla, said the safe market initiative is a major milestone in the empowerment of women.
“It’s called a safe market because it provides a secure, gender-sensitive working space that responds directly to the challenges faced by women seeking economic opportunities,” she said.
Mrs Sikundla said the completed first phase includes the flea market stalls, kitchens, showers and bathrooms, while phase two will introduce the play centre to further support working mothers.
“The play centre will allow women, who are usually burdened with care duties, to actively participate in economic activities. The kitchens provide meals for everyone, especially for women spending long hours at the market,” she said.
The market was initially launched by Katswe Sisterhood in early 2022, reaching 80 percent completion by December 2023. UN Women then took over the final stage of the project, completing critical infrastructure such as plumbing, fencing, construction of the apron, market stalls and ground levelling.
@DubeMatutu
Online Reporter