Sexual exploitation of female cross-border traders raises concern

The Zimbabwe Gender Commission (ZGC) has expressed serious concerns over the sexual exploitation of female cross-border traders at the country's ports of entry, highlighting a systemic problem of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) faced by women attempting to smuggle goods into Zimbabwe.

The issue was detailed in the ZGC's 2023 report, tabled in Parliament, which revealed alarming levels of abuse by border employees, smugglers, and truck drivers. According to the report, women traders have been subjected to rape, robbery, and coercion for sexual favours as they attempt to navigate legal and illegal entry points.

The ZGC, in collaboration with the Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission, conducted an investigation at the Plumtree Border Post to confirm allegations of abuse. The investigation found that the exploitation of female cross-border traders was widespread and not limited to isolated incidents.

"This was a culmination of social media reports indicating the prevalence of sexual crimes, such as rape and various forms of GBV, being perpetrated on women trying to cross the border and smuggling commodities across the border," the report stated. "This gave birth to the need to gather countrywide information as it was discovered that these were not isolated incidences and that women cross-border traders were facing systemic gender issues at ports of entry and exits."

The ZGC's report also underscored the vulnerability of women using illegal entry points, with many fearing legal consequences if they report these crimes. “It was difficult to report such cases to the police because they occurred during an illegal act. The victims feared that they would also be arrested for using undesignated ports of entry," the report added.

The commission pointed out that border officials allegedly demand sexual favours in exchange for allowing women to cross without financial extortion, while truck drivers and smugglers also play significant roles in the exploitation and abuse of female traders.

In addition to the sexual violence, the report highlighted the lack of basic facilities for cross-border traders. Many women are deprived of amenities such as bathrooms and safe houses, which are essential for providing temporary shelter and protection, especially for breastfeeding mothers and deportees. In areas like Chirundu and Kariba, where communities are located within game reserves, traders also face the risk of attacks by wildlife such as baboons, lions, and elephants.

The ZGC has called on the Government to take immediate action, including amending the Zimbabwe Gender Commission Act to impose stiffer penalties for SGBV cases. The commission has also recommended empowering the ZGC to fine organisations that obstruct investigations and that the Government should penalize entities that fail to comply with constitutional gender equality provisions.

The ZGC further urges the Government to develop regulations that allow the commission to seek court interdicts against employers who punish workers for reporting sexual harassment or discrimination. The commission is also calling for a review of laws to better align them with constitutional provisions on children's rights and gender equality, and for a stricter regulation of faith-based organisations to combat harmful practices.

In addition, the ZGC advocates for a revision of the National Action Plan to end child marriage and for the judiciary to impose harsher sentences, including jail terms, to deter perpetrators of gender-based violence.

As investigations into these cases continue, the ZGC remains committed to advocating for the protection and empowerment of women, ensuring that the voices of female cross-border traders are heard and their rights are upheld.