Christabel Phiri
Over the past two years Christabel Phiri has created a platform for women cross-border traders to talk about the challenges they face and to learn more about what rights they have, so that they can pursue their careers armed with the correct knowledge.
Phiri is the programme manager for social capital at the Southern Africa Trust (SAT) and her work is designed to empower women and ensure that there are equal opportunities for them.
The SAT focuses on influencing policies to end poverty, and Phiri plays a strong role in ensuring that vision is realised. She has extensive experience in facilitating dialogue between policymakers and civil society organisations, as well as a rich capability in policy-relevant research management skills.
One of her initiatives is the Women Cross Border Traders forum, which focuses on empowering women across Africa. “Women encounter a number of challenges when they are moving from one country to another. These include security issues, abuse, sexual abuse and infrastructure problems,” she says.
“Many of the border areas don’t cater for women’s needs, particularly in terms of facilities for their hygiene, and when you consider that women play a huge role in this trade, something needs to be done to change things.”
Many women have been forced to perform sexual favours so the border guards let them through without paying duties — fees that were non-existent to begin with. If they had known that their particular produce was exempt, they wouldn’t have had to compromise their dignity.
“We want their voices to be heard and we are creating spaces where they are listened to and can talk,” says Phiri.
“We provide an opportunity for the women themselves to participate in the decision-making platforms with regards to elements that affect how they conduct their business. We want them to have a voice and to engage in policy discussions that affect them.”
Two events hosted by the Southern Africa Cross Border Traders Association and Women Cross Border Traders have seen dialogue focused on gender equality, in-depth discussion on the challenges faced by women undertaking cross-border trading in the Southern African Development Community, and an opportunity for women to engage with policymakers and influence change.
She believes that programmes such as the Women Cross Border Traders can make all the difference for women trading across Africa.
“Women are among the most vulnerable groups in society, and are often discriminated against and marginalised. The impact that these interventions have made on their lives drives me to champion their causes,” she says.