By Burnett Munthali
Lilongwe City Mayor Esther Sagawa has expressed optimism that the ongoing Women Crossborder Traders Conference, currently being held in Lilongwe, will help identify viable solutions to the challenges faced by small-scale traders. The conference, which brings together women involved in cross-border trade, is expected to create actionable strategies for improving the economic empowerment of women through trade.
Speaking at the event’s opening ceremony at Crossroads Hotel in Lilongwe, Sagawa highlighted the significant role cross-border trade plays in the livelihoods of women. “Cross-border trade is a key source of income for many women, and it holds immense potential to empower them economically,” she said. However, she pointed out that despite this potential, there are persistent barriers preventing women traders from fully realizing the benefits of their businesses.
“The potential is there, but there are some challenges that keep us from actualising it,” Sagawa noted. She further expressed her hope that the conference would provide practical and actionable solutions to overcome these challenges.
The conference, attended by women from various border regions, government officials, and trade experts, aims to address issues such as access to capital, border regulations, and trade barriers that disproportionately affect women traders. The discussions are expected to lead to recommendations that will be used to enhance the capacity and opportunities for women involved in cross-border trade.
With Mayor Sagawa’s encouragement and leadership, the event marks a crucial step in advancing the economic empowerment of women traders in Malawi and the broader region, as participants seek to make tangible changes that will benefit the livelihoods of small-scale cross-border traders.
