africa day

BVTA Women’s Council Celebrates Culture and Community with Revolving Fund Activity

The BVTA Women’s Council held a vibrant bring-and-share event that beautifully combined cultural celebration with community empowerment. The event brought together members of the council to partake in traditional Indigenous foods and participate in the council’s revolving fund initiative. The celebration featured an array of Indigenous foods showcasing the rich culinary heritage of the community. Participants enjoyed watermelons, roasted peanuts, snot apples, chocolate berries, and bird plums. These foods not only provided a delicious feast but also highlighted the importance of preserving and honouring Indigenous agricultural practices. Central to the day’s activities was the revolving fund event, a powerful example of grassroots financial empowerment. As members received funds, a joyous call and response echoed through the gathering. One member would call out “Bomama!” to which the rest of the council enthusiastically responded, “Okuhle siyazenzela!” This exchange encapsulated the spirit of self-reliance and mutual support that underpins the council’s work. The revolving fund initiative is designed to provide financial support to women in the community, enabling them to invest in small businesses, educational opportunities, and other ventures that enhance their economic independence and well-being. By pooling resources and distributing them through a collective decision-making process, the women of BVTA can uplift each other and strengthen their community. Throughout the day, the atmosphere was one of camaraderie and pride. The event not only provided an opportunity for members to share and enjoy traditional foods but also reinforced the council’s commitment to fostering a strong, self-sufficient community. The women’s voices, united in their call and response, served as a powerful reminder of the strength that comes from solidarity and shared purpose. The success of the event is a testament to the dedication and resilience of the BVTA Women’s Council. By blending cultural celebration with practical financial support, the council continues to make a meaningful impact on the lives of its members and the broader community. As the day drew to a close, participants left with full hearts, ready to continue their journey of collective empowerment. In a world where community bonds are often tested, the BVTA Women’s Council stands as a shining example of how unity, culture, and mutual support can create lasting positive change.

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Africa Day Brings Local Women Informal Traders Together

Celebration of Africa Day Brings Local Women informal Traders Together.Female vendors and traders in Zimbabwe recently gathered to celebrate Africa Day, organized by the Bulawayo Vendors and Traders Association (BVTA) Women’s Council. Moreover, the aim of the event was to create a safe and enjoyable space for women to celebrate their African heritage, network with peers, and share experiences. BVTA President, Jacqueline Ndlovu, stressed the importance of empowering women traders due to the many challenges they face, including unpaid caregiving and discrimination. Female Traders Challenges“Female traders face several challenges, including unpaid care work and discrimination. It’s crucial to provide them with a space to go out and have fun as women, while retaining our cultural values,” said Ndlovu. ParticipantsThe event brought together traders from diverse backgrounds and provided an opportunity for them to share experiences and learn from each other. Embracing TraditionsAdditionally, the event was well-received, with over 50 participants enjoying traditional food, music, and dancing. Related Content: BVTA introduces Insurance scheme for informal sector.According to Ndlovu, the empowerment of women traders is crucial to the growth of the local economy and the promotion of sustainable livelihoods. Empowering womenShe stated, “When you empower women, you empower families and the whole community. This is why we are investing in young people who will drive innovation and entrepreneurship in the future.” Despite these challenges, female traders remain optimistic about the future, calling for greater support from the government and city authorities to create safe and inclusive trading spaces. Safe & Inclusive Spaces“We want to see more support from the government and city authorities to create safe and inclusive spaces for us to trade in,” said Ndlovu. “But we are also taking matters into our own hands and building a brighter future for ourselves and future generations.” BVTA Membership Support, Debrah Mukasa, acknowledged the important role that BVTA Women’s Council plays in guiding vendors and ensure their safety. “BVTA Women’s Council guides how we work as vendors, how we operate and provide safety for vendors and traders,” said Mukasa. Valuing HeritageMukasa also said that Celebration of Africa Day was important as it reminded us to value our culture and traditional food. BVTA has been working to support local informal traders for years, providing capacity building workshops, advocacy, and access to financing through their revolving fund.

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