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Robin Muchetu, Senior Reporter
SAFE markets have emerged as vital spaces for women to engage in economic activities while prioritising their well-being and safety.
The Chesvingo Safe Market in Masvingo is a prime example of such a supportive environment, where women can trade and access essential services, including a preschool and a Gender-Based Violence (GBV) centre.
This safe market provides a clean and spacious area for women to sell their goods, eliminating the need to operate in unsanitary conditions across the city.
Maria Mutandwa, the communications officer for the International Labour Organisation (ILO) Zimbabwe, explained that the concept of safe markets arose from the observation of many women working on the streets.
“Chesvingo Safe Market was established after identifying the informal sector as the largest employer. We recognised the numerous women operating from roadside stalls and their homes. In collaboration with the African Development Bank, which funded the project and ILO, which provided technical support, we consulted the Ministry of Women Affairs, the Municipality of Masvingo and the Ministry of Labour to identify focus areas for the project. It was agreed that Masvingo urgently needed this initiative,” she stated.
Launched in May 2024, the market accommodates 80 women and youth in a well-ventilated and spacious environment.
“The Early Childhood Development Centre (ECD) is conveniently located next to the safe market to cater to the children of women working there. Additionally, a GBV centre addresses community concerns regarding gender-based violence. The Musasa Project provides psychosocial support, while Masvingo Teachers College contributes trained teachers to the ECD centre. A police post is also onsite to handle any GBV cases that may arise,” added Ms Mutandwa.
The GBV centre collaborates with the Zimbabwe Women’s Lawyers Association (ZWLA) to assist women with legal matters and a nurse is available to address medical needs related to GBV.
Ms Mutandwa highlighted that these organisations work closely to respond to the issues faced by women visiting the market.
Despite the comprehensive services available, challenges remain, such as the slow uptake of the ECD centre, which has been attributed to fluctuating business income, among women vendors.
“The women have expressed concerns about not generating sufficient income at the market. These are initial challenges that we believe will improve over time. We are actively discussing solutions that address the needs of childbearing women in the community,” she noted.
The Ministry of Women’s Affairs is working to showcase the safe market as a model for replication in other provinces throughout the country.
Beneficiary women have described the centre as empowering.
“Having these services in one location has been transformative, particularly the ECD centre. Our children are safe close by and do not witness any disputes that may occur in the market. We can quickly access police assistance for any problem customers, which enhances our security. This project allows us to keep our children nearby while reducing the need for outside help, making it cost-effective,” said one trader.
Mrs Martha Ruzive, one of the ECD teachers shared that they cater to children aged zero to five years and are currently overwhelmed with demand.
“We provide breakfast, lunch and afternoon snacks for the children. The preschool has greatly benefitted mothers working at the safe market, allowing them to work without distractions from their young children. We aim to keep the children safe and educate them. This initiative is commendable and we hope it expands to accommodate more children,” said Mrs Ruzive.
Ms Blessing Mutume, chairlady of the safe market, emphasised the market’s significance for women.
“We are thankful for the establishment of this centre. Previously, we faced many challenges selling on the streets, including harassment from police and confiscation of our wares. I have been selling since 2000, but now, our lives have transformed. We can afford school fees and groceries and to pay our rent. I encourage other women to come and sell at the market to earn a living,” she said. — @NyembeziMu
