On 25 November 2025, the Vendors Initiative for Social and Economic Transformation (VISET) proudly partnered with Amnesty International Zimbabwe to launch a significant campaign titled ‘Decent Work as a Human Right for Women Informal Cross-Border Traders in Zimbabwe.’
The launch event attracted a wide range of stakeholders, emphasizing the importance of collaboration in advocating for the rights of informal traders. Attendees included representatives from the Ministry of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development, the Immigration Department, local municipalities, Office of the President and Cabinet and councils, civil society organizations (CSOs), informal traders’ associations, the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority, and essential research key informants. This diverse participation underscores the critical intersection of governmental, civil society, and community efforts needed to support women in this sector.
The campaign is designed to unite key stakeholders from various government departments, ministries, civil society organizations, and the informal sector. By fostering dialogue and collaboration, the initiative aims to build a robust foundation of support while ensuring that crucial partners are invested in the cause. Developed in conjunction with organizations that work closely with informal traders, this campaign aspires to protect and promote the human rights of women engaged in cross-border trade in Zimbabwe.
The initiative is informed by the findings of Amnesty International’s compelling report published on 8 March 2024, titled “Cross-border is our livelihood. It is our job.” This report provides invaluable insights into the experiences of women cross-border traders in Malawi, Zambia, and Zimbabwe, highlighting not only their rights to decent work and economic participation but also the pressing issues they face in their day-to-day business activities, such as regulatory hurdles, lack of social protections, and economic instability. The report articulates the systemic challenges that hinder their ability to thrive and offers strategic recommendations for governments to address these obstacles and enhance the livelihoods of women in informal cross-border trade.
Through this campaign, VISET and Amnesty International Zimbabwe aim to elevate the voices of these women and advocate for policies that promote their rights and economic empowerment. The mission is to ensure that every woman in the informal cross-border trading sector can work in dignity, with the support and protection of legal frameworks that recognize their contributions to the economy.
For further insights, we encourage you to download and read the full report here: [Amnesty International Report](https://www.amnesty.org/en/documents/afr03/7792/2024/en/#:~:text=Southern%20Africa:%20%E2%80%9CCross%2Dborder,rights%20of%20women%20in%20ICBT)
