On Micro, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises Day marked on 27 June, UNCTAD renewed calls for a level playing field to help tackle the challenges facing women and youth entrepreneurs in emerging markets. Policies that support small enterprise development and entrepreneurship for women and youth are crucial to promoting competition, driving economic efficiency and fostering sustainable development. Sitshengisiwe Ndlovu found her calling in supporting women small traders during her previous work as a Customs Officer in her native Zimbabwe. She met many women who made a living out of small-scale cross-border trade and came to understand their challenges first-hand. For example, they often lacked knowledge in trade procedures and applicable duties and taxes, exposing them to fines and confiscation of goods. Such barriers, if left unaddressed, risked the survival of these micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs). Wanting to make a difference, Ms. Ndlovu set out in 2019 to establish the Zimbabwe Chapter of the Organization of Women in International Trade, a non-profit global association focusing on empowering female traders. There, Ms. Ndlovu and her team conducted research and advocated on issues related to women and trade.
