Zimbabwe: Empowered by the market – Eustina's journey

Eustina Nyasha's story is one of resilience and determination. The 53-year-old entrepreneur has been running a business buying and selling goods at the market, but her life took a turn for the worse when she fell ill and can no longer travel to Zambia to source products like she used to.

Despite the challenges, Eustina's business has started to flourish again thanks to the training she received through Gender Links’ “Promoting Gender Inclusive Local Economic Development in Zimbabwe” programme funded by the Embassy of Sweden in Zimbabwe. "I attended a training session where we were taught about ISALs and how to grow our businesses," she explains. The knowledge acquired is being used in the vending business located at the Batonga Market hub recently constructed by Gender Links through funding from the Embassy of Sweden in Zimbabwe, and it is making a huge difference."

Internal Savings and Lending schemes (ISALS), have been a game-changer for Eustina. She is part of a group of 10 women who contribute USD3.50 daily, and after three days, one person receives USD105. "We are hoping to increase the daily contributions to USD7 and give two people after the three days, which will also increase the money to the individuals," she says, her eyes lighting up with excitement.

The impact of the market on Eustina's life cannot be overstated. "Being at the market has been of great use in my life," she says. "I was building my house, which had three rooms left to be roofed. Through the profits I make at the market, two rooms have been roofed, and only one room is remaining." The market has also enabled her to sustain her family since her husband passed away due to a stroke. "I am able to feed my children, and they have never slept without eating through the sales I make at the market," she says, her voice filled with gratitude.

Although Eustina's monthly income has taken a hit, going from USD255 to USD600, she remains optimistic about the future. Her business may not be what it used to be, but with the skills she's acquired and the support of her ISAL group, she's confident that she can rebuild and provide for her family. As she puts it, "The market has been a lifeline for me and my family."