Understanding the Challenges Facing Women Second-Hand Clothes Informal Cross Border Traders at Namanga One Stop Border Post, Tanzania

Abstract

This study’s goal is to learn about problems women are facing when interacting with the informal second-hand clothing business at NamangaOne-Stop Border Post. The study's specific goals were to analyze risks, understand the obstacles faced by women in the informal second-hand clothing company in Namanga, and finally, examine resilience measures for minimizing obstacles and hindrances faced by women carrying out informal second-hand clothing business in Namanga. Quantitative plus qualitative approaches in a descriptive cross-section research design were used. Data collection was done via interviewing respondents and issuing themquestionnaires to fill and analysis of data through a content examination on top of SPSS. The study discovered that women dealing in the informal second-hand clothing business at Namanga were at risk of being sexuallyviolated, harassed, on top of being exploited, that includes being verbally sexually harassed and being raped Frequently,officials at the border asserted a lot of pressure on them, as well as the risk of contracting the Tanzania. Limited capacity to diversify the range of items, delays at the border, variable exchange rates, and unstable market pricing are some of the challenges women face when dealing with second-hand clothes informally at Namanga. In addition, there are resilience tactics for reducing these obstacles in the study area, such as carrying little stock, renting one room for housing and storing items, and moving in groups to help them negotiate if they are apprehended by the authorities. According to the findings, the government and financial stakeholders should provide financial services to ICBDT to help them overcome their low capacity to diversify their business.