The sun scorches mercilessly on the streets of Harare, Zimbabwe. It is a typical summer day, with temperatures soaring into the high thirties, but for the female vendors who line the streets, there is no respite, they are breadwinners, working long hours in harsh conditions as they peddle their wares. They are exposed to the burning sun’s rays, extreme heat, severe and torrential rains, making it increasingly difficult to fend for their families.
On hot days, the vendors often have to resort to using old sacks or umbrellas to protect themselves from the sun, they also have to be careful not to let their goods spoil in the heat. On rainy days, the vendors often have to pack up their stalls and go home. This means they lose a day’s income, which can be devastating for their families.
The issue of climate change on female vendors is underreported, yet it is a pressing issue. Kudzai Ngorima a female vendor in Sunningdale, Harare battles challenges of climate change firsthand as she wakes up early every morning to set up her stall in the bustling market. She wakes up before dawn and works until the sun goes down, but in recent years, her job has become increasingly difficult due to climate change.
She says; “Harare is getting hotter and hotter, and l have to work in high temperatures, l have to drink plenty of water and rest in the shade to avoid getting sick.” “Sometimes I get home with a splitting headache because of the heat, but I will still wake up the next day at dawn to go to Mbare to buy and come back in time to set up my stall.”
Despite the challenges, Kudzai is determined to keep working because her family depends on her income. Her story is just one example of the many female vendors in Harare who are struggling to cope with climate change.
Clontilda James from the Institute for Young Women’s Development said it is incredible to see young women and women stepping up as providers and/or breadwinners in their families in the harsh economic crisis in Zimbabwe.
“Their determination and tenacity deserves utmost respect and admiration, despite the numerous challenges and limited resources, young women and women in Zimbabwe are still playing a crucial role in sustaining their families which is a testament to their strength, resilience, and resourcefulness.”
“Government policies and programs should aim to empower and uplift young women and women, providing them with access to resources, education, and entrepreneurial opportunities. By doing so, women’s full potential can be unleashed and create a more inclusive and prosperous society,” James added.
Climate change expert, Cinderella Ndlovu said climate change has adverse impacts on vendors as they operate in open spaces, increase in intensity and frequency of extreme weather events such as heatwaves expose women to economic losses as rising temperatures make it physically difficult to work.
“Heat waves are a major global public health risk, and women are particularly vulnerable due to factors including their physiological differences and gender roles among other factors. Extreme heat can claim lives. Heat creates a double burden for women, who are not only more physically susceptible to its effects than men but who also more frequently shoulder additional care responsibilities associated with heat-related illness.”
“For women engaging in vending it is often done illegally out in the open in direct heat. There are no structures such as shades where they can safely work and this could have a significant bearing on their health Not only do they have to brave the heat they also have to face other weather elements such as rains and strong winds,” Ndlovu said.
More needs to be done to support female vendors and help them adapt to the challenges of climate change, there is also need to raise awareness of the issue of climate change on female vendors.
