Voices Heard From Street Vendors

Marketeers in Lusaka's Chilenje Market area took an opportunity to voice out their experiences as Zambia's street vendors. 

Jane Chanda, a street vendor at chilenje market shared her experience on how she started her vegetable stand. " I first worked as a maid, after raising some money I started ordering vegetables, after a few months, I went low on capital so I got a loan and restarted my business," she said. She further said it is from the same business that she takes care of herself and her family. 

Martin, another street vendor talked about how he worked as a bricklayer so as to raise money to order a bale and become a thrift clothe seller. He lastly talked about his desire for owning a bigger boutique in the next 2 to 3 years.

Maureen Mweemba, yet another street vendor shared her experience of being a marketeer for over 5 years. "Business is sometimes booming and on other days very slow, but instead of giving up I always keep my hope alive" she said. She further gave advice to her fellow street vendors saying they should not be intimidated by anyone or anything but instead keep on thriving. 

Street vendors are often overlooked, their voices drowned out by the hustle of city life. But they have stories to tell, stories of struggle, resilience and hope.