A new report by Amnesty International details widespread human rights abuses faced by women working in informal cross-border trade (ICBT) in Malawi, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. The report, titled “Cross-border is our livelihood, it is our job” – Decent work as a human right for women cross border traders in southern Africa, found that these women are subjected to physical assault, sexual harassment, and intimidation, often by state officials, including border authorities.
“The vulnerability of women in informal employment to diverse forms of abuse, combined with restricted access to justice, highlights a glaring gap in state protection,” said Tigere Chagutah, Amnesty International’s Regional Director for East and Southern Africa.
The report also highlights economic exploitation, lack of social security, and discrimination faced by these women. Amnesty International is calling on the governments of Malawi, Zambia, and Zimbabwe to take action to protect the rights of women in ICBT.
