A different class? Basotho women informal cross-border traders to Botswana

Abstract

In the global landscape of informal cross-border trade, Basotho women emerge as a distinctive and dynamic force, defying traditional gender norms and shaping the economic landscape of the Southern African region within Lesotho. This thesis delves into the intriguing phenomenon of Basotho women engaging in informal cross-border trading activities with Botswana. It investigates their motivations, the complexities of their experiences, challenges, and contributions to their economic and social situation. It classifies these women as a unique group of women warranting them to be labeled as a “different class”. By adopting an ethnographic approach, this study provides an understanding of the cultural, social, and economic dimensions that shape the lives of these enterprising women traders. The research method involves immersive fieldwork, including participant observation, in-depth interviews, and focus group discussions within the communities of 15 Basotho women traders operating in different categories as part-time and full-time traders, veterans, and newcomers. This approach allows a holistic exploration of their daily lives, trading practices, and the intricate social networks they navigate to sustain their cross-border enterprises. By presenting the voices and lived experiences of Basotho women as informal cross-border traders, the ethnographic exploration seeks to challenge stereotypical representations and illuminate their role as active agents of change. This study used Giddens’s structuration theory as an analytical framework to examine the social behaviour of Basotho women informal cross-border traders. Findings reveal that Basotho women traders often navigate many socio-cultural barriers, including limited access to resources, discriminatory practices, and unequal opportunities, further exacerbated by their marginalized status within their communities. Nevertheless, they demonstrate remarkable resilience, resourcefulness, and adaptability in establishing and maintaining informal trading networks across the Botswana border. The study sheds light on the multifaceted impact of these women's trading activities at household and community levels. Economically, their contributions prove vital to local livelihoods, household incomes, and the overall well-being of the Basotho society. At the same time, their cross-border trade endeavors foster intercultural ties and contribute to regional trade integration, strengthening economic ties between Lesotho and Botswana. The study further revealed that product and market selection are critical factors that influence the success of women traders in informal cross-border trade. Women traders rely on their knowledge of local demand, availability of products, and pricing to select the products or services they will trade. They also select the market where they will sell their products based on their market knowledge, competition, and potential profits. The transportation of products from Botswana to Lesotho is also essential to informal cross-border trade. Ultimately, the study advocates for policies that recognize the importance of inclusive and gender-responsive economic development, harnessing the potential of these enterprising women to drive sustainable growth and foster social transformation in the Southern African region. It further highlights the need for a nuanced approach that recognizes the unique challenges Basotho women informal traders face and their distinct contributions to the broader economy. Governments and stakeholders can unlock their full potential as catalysts for sustainable economic growth and poverty reduction by supporting these women through targeted empowerment programs, access to finance, and capacity-building initiatives. Moreover, this study calls for re-evaluating the prevailing perceptions of Basotho women as passive victims, challenging the notion that informal cross-border trade is solely a survivalist strategy. Instead, it emphasizes the agency and innovation of these women, positioning them as active agents of change in reshaping economic opportunities within their communities and across borders.