Embracing Change

In the vibrant village of Cyirabyo, Rwanda, lives a resilient woman named Berthe. With a family of ten and a supportive husband, Berthe’s life is a tapestry of love, hard work, and hope.

Berthe’s days are filled with the hustle and bustle of small-scale trading. She specializes in fruits and vegetables, particularly onions and ginger. “The work I do is small-scale trading of fruits and vegetables like onions and ginger,” she explains. Her dedication to her trade is evident as she meticulously selects the best produce to sell. Berthe is a proud member of the cooperative “Iheshe Agaciro Mubyeyi,” a group of traders who work together to sell their goods to the Congolese across the border.

Cross-border trade is a lifeline for Berthe and her fellow traders. It is their sole source of income, enabling them to sustain their families. “Our small-scale cross-border trading is our only source of income for sustaining ourselves,” she says. The cooperative has received support that significantly boosts their productivity and profits. This support allows Berthe to provide for her ten children, ensuring they have food, good healthcare, and education.

However, the journey of cross-border trading is not without its challenges. Berthe and her peers face numerous obstacles, from unfair pricing from occasional buyers to the high cost of visas required to cross the border.

The traders often find themselves at the mercy of buyers who dictate prices, leading to significant losses.

Despite these challenges, Berthe remains hopeful. She envisions a future where the buyers from both sides of the border are able to easily cross and purchase their products, ensuring fair prices for everyone. The cooperative’s advocacy efforts, supported by organizations like IOM, have already made strides in this direction, encouraging buyers to engage in fair transactions at agreed-upon prices..

Berthe’s vision for the future of trade is clear and forward-thinking. “Our hope is that we will be able to conduct business using new technology, so that we can sell our products and negotiate prices through our mobile phones,” she says.

As Berthe sells her fresh produce, she dreams of the day when the new border post will be fully operational. She believes that this development will not only resolve their current challenges, but also pave the way for peaceful and prosperous trade between Rwanda and DRC.

In the end, Berthe’s story is one of resilience, hope, and unwavering determination. Her journey as a cross-border trader is a testament to the strength and perseverance of women who, despite facing numerous challenges, continue to strive for a better future for their families and communities.

***

This initiative was supported by the European Union-funded project ‘Secure Cross-border Social, Economic and Commercial Activities in the Great Lakes Region’ which aims to strengthen sub-regional economic integration and cohesion between border communities, while strengthening cross-border trade.