Covid-19 Impact on Women in Informal Cross Border Trade in Zimbabwe

Abstract:

This article seeks to unpack the effects the COVID-19 pandemic has had on Women in Informal Cross Border Trade (WICBT) in Zimbabwe while acknowledging the ripple effects on apparent disparate unrelated norms and realities. The research methodology utilised in this treatise unpacks the far-reaching impact of COVID-19 by providing a basis for the formulation of future theories on the interaction of COVID-19, WICBT and society in Zimbabwe as well as provide recommendations to remedy COVID-19’s ill effects. The systematic review of secondary data sources (journals, policy reports, humanitarian reports as well as newspaper articles and online media reports) formed the main basis for the positions articulated in this article. Broadly speaking, the COVID-19 pandemic has affected every facet of life including (formal and informal) trade. With a largely disputed unemployment rate, it is largely accepted that the informal sector has sheltered a significant proportion of Zimbabwe’s employable population. This demographic, traditionally dominated by WICBT, has increased exponentially as a result of COVID-19.