Resilient Roots

Welcome, dear readers, to this journey of sharing, learning, and celebrating the resilience and strength of African women who are lighting the path of entrepreneurship in the informal sector. From a very young age, the women in my life have served as a source of inspiration for hard work and perseverance. With this blog, I want to recognize and celebrate their contributions in paving the path for my success, as well as to recognize the millions of women like them who sacrifice themselves to educate Africa’s future. 

Gender roles have remained a deeply ingrained societal norm in Zimbabwe and in many African countries. However, as economies decline and times change, the role of women in African societies has evolved remarkably. More and more women are stepping out of the traditional confines of the home to become active participants in the economy. However, getting employment in the formal sector presents numerous challenges, including educational disparities between men and women, reluctance from men to make room in the workplace, and a lack of inclusive policies that encourage women’s engagement. In response to these challenges, African women have taken to running a wide array of small businesses in the informal sector.

The informal sector constitutes a significant portion of Africa’s economy and it is largely led by women. A 2015 report from the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) revealed that the informal economy accounted for 70% of employment in Southern Africa while contributing 55% of the GDP.  And 90% of these businesses were owned by women, highlighting their substantial influence within this sector. However, despite these compelling statistics that showcase the potential of the informal economy to drive African economic development, it is frequently overlooked, lacking proper recognition and support.

Today, the fight for women’s rights and independence is more visible than ever, giving rise to the concept of an ‘independent woman’. A woman who deserves recognition and praise for shattering glass ceilings. I have come to understand that this portrayal often overlooks a significant group of women. These women may not fit the stereotypical image of an ‘independent woman,’ yet they dedicate their lives to educating and advancing their children, relentlessly fighting for their recognition in society. During my college years, I found myself reflecting on the sacrifices my mother made and the path she paved for my success. Despite being the one who shaped me into the person I am today, my mother will never receive the same recognition and praise that I have attained through my accomplishments. Whether it’s social media trends or classroom discussions, I am reminded time and again that my mother isn’t someone seen as a ‘strong and independent woman’ to look up to. And neither are the millions of African women tirelessly working in the informal sector to pay for their children’s education, an education they will never have. 

Driven by these observations, I launched a project called Yakha, which means “build” in Ndebele. Yakha aims to establish a community of women in the African informal sector, fostering resource sharing, business training, and access to capital. In my career, I have had a lot of opportunities to attend business conferences where I encountered communities of women who share a passion for entrepreneurship. But more than that I have received invaluable encouragement and inspiration to continue in my path, understanding that the work I do matters. And I wondered about the woman who makes peanut butter and sells it in the streets of Bulawayo or the woman who runs a tuckshop at the back of her yard—who uplifts and acknowledges her efforts. Who recognizes the invaluable contribution she makes to her family and community? This recognition, this affirmation of worth, is what Yakha aspires to provide. 

With this blog, we will celebrate the unsung heroes of the informal economy. ‘Resilient Roots’ is about sharing their inspiring stories, their trials, and victories. It’s about building a community that recognizes and supports their efforts.