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The study aimed to explore the survival strategies of Zimbabwean informal women cross border traders plying the new Zimbabwe-Tanzania route. The study, which is mainly qualitative, employed ethnographic methods although some quantitative methods were used on women´s demographic and socio-economic issues. Data were gathered mainly by holding in-depth interviews with traders. A cross section of women survival strategies, networks and income raising techniques and empowerment issues was presented. The study concluded that traders are a heterogeneous group covering married and unmarried women. It found out that women are actors who study situations and strategically device strategies to minimise costs. They employ social networks locally and internationally involving both kin and non-kin to assist them to maximise benefits. Generally traders are able to cope and at times expand their investment portfolio. The study demonstrated women´s agency in negotiating the socio-economic and political obstacles in pursuit of household sustenance.

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Simukai Shamu (MSc Social Anthropology) is on study leave from the University of Zimbabwe to read for a PhD in Public Health at the University of the Western Cape focusing on the relationship between Intimate Partner Violence during pregnancy and HIV infection. He has published papers on Gender and Sexuality.

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