by Fungai Munetsi
Zimbabwe Chamber of Informal Economy Associations (ZCIEA), in collaboration with StreetNet International, UTEP AND Global Labour Institute launched the StreetNet Barometer Project during a 3-day Inception Meeting at Monomutapa Crowne Plaza in Harare on the 20th of November 2024. This innovative research initiative aims to identify and address gaps in street and market vending practices, culminating in proposed recommendations. The project is set to kick off in 2025, focusing on two key organizations: ZCIEA Zimbabwe and UTEP from Argentina. In Zimbabwe, ZCIEA will be conducting this research specifically in Jambanja Chitungwiza, UTEP will conduct research in Bueno Aires, Argentina. The research will be conducted by Global Labour Institute
The main purpose of the project is to enhance the capabilities of SNI affiliates to realise and defend the labour and economic rights. The overall objective of the project is to strengthen StreetNet affiliates’ ability to conduct national and international advocacy campaigns and influence/change state policies regarding the situation of street and market vendors in the framework of decent work agenda and its main pillars.
The event brought together a diverse group of 29 participants, including representatives from various stakeholders: 12 from ZCIEA, 3 from UTEP-Argentina, 3 from the Global Labour Institute, 3 from StreetNet International, 1 from the Training Support and Research Centre.
Speaking at the launch of the Barometer Research Project in Harare, StreetNet International/ ZCIEA President Lorraine Ndlovu said the StreetNet International Barometer project will provide empirical evidence with regards to challenges, experiences and the realities of street/market vendors globally, starting with Zimbabwe and Argentina. This will enable StreetNet International and affiliates to contribute to the upcoming International Labour Conference 2025 discussion on informality. The Zimbabwe Chamber of Informal Economy Associations is humbled to host the Inception meeting as well as the pilot Barometer survey.
The esteemed gathering was graced by Dr. M. Sibanda, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Women’s Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development, whose speech was read by Chief Director Mr Francis Gondo. During the official remarks, the Permanent Secretary Dr. Sibanda commended the Zimbabwe Chamber of Informal Economy Associations (ZCIEA), StreetNet International and its affiliates for the launch of the Barometer Research initiative. The Permanent Secretary further highlighted that the Ministry of Women’s Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development fully supports and encourages the ZCIEA and its partners in their endeavors to make the Barometer Research project a success. The Ministry believes that this initiative will play a crucial role in bridging the information gap and advancing the interests of informal economy workers, particularly women who are engaged in home-based work.
The Chitungwiza Town Council was also well-represented, with Her Worship the Mayor Cllr R. Mangoma, Chairperson Small and Medium Enterprises Cllr R. Mangene, Cllr Ward 24 Cllr O. Matsika, Chairperson Business Development and Investment Promotion Cllr A. Mujati, and Acting Director Housing and Community Services Mr T. Chinganga all in attendance. Mr. Chinganga, the Acting Director in Chitungwiza, also addressed the audience and shed light on the challenges confronting informal workers and traders in Chitungwiza. He elaborated on the efforts undertaken by the local authorities to tackle these challenges and improve the working conditions for the informal sector.
Mayor R. Mangoma of Chitungwiza extended her appreciation to ZCIEA and StreetNet for initiating the Barometer Research. She warmly welcomed ZCIEA Chitungwiza territory for future collaborations aiming towards the signing of a memorandum of understanding. These efforts are geared towards enhancing and uplifting the working conditions of workers and traders within Chitungwiza.
‘The Chamber That Delivers’
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