Secure Cross-border Social, Economic and Commercial Activities in the Great Lakes Region

FLASH REPORT

IOM Plays an Increasingly Active Role in Developing

the Social Cohesion Component of the OSBP Project RusiziII/Bukavu

26 February 2020 - 4 March 2020

Issue 4

©Photo: IOM Rwanda

IOM opens dialogue on social cohesion and psycho-social well-being of cross border traders, especially women traders of Bukavu and Rusizi.

The EU funded action “Secure Cross-Border Social, Economic and Commercial Activities in the Great Lakes Region” implemented by IOM, in partnership with TMEA, continues the dialogue among border communities, migrants, cross border traders, TMEA, local and border authorities and I/NGOs to identify collectively the initiatives that can contribute to enhancing peace-building trends, social cohesion and female cross- border traders’

economic and psycho-social well-being in Bukavu and Rusizi.

From 26 February to 4 March 2020, IOM Rwanda held a series of interactive workshops and consultations in Kigali and Rusizi to present key findings and operational recommendations and to gather views of stakeholders of DRC and Rwanda on potential initiatives that can support the communities to enhance social cohesion at the Rusizi II/ Bukavu border.

The rapid assessment of psychosocial and social cohesion needs among female cross-border traders in Bukavu and Rusizi focused on the emotional and relational impact of Cross Border Trade (CBT) on mental health and psychosocial wellbeing of female cross-border traders and reached out to over 500 women in CBT. The majority of the respondents (96%) recognized to be affected by some manifestations of stress and psychosocial disorders. Overall, CBT remains a “risky business” for women engaged in the trade (as defined by Paul Benton a decade ago).

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« Ces résultats reflètent les réalités réelles de ce à quoi sont confrontés les commerçants transfrontaliers, en particulier les femmes. En fait, les problèmes psychosociaux mis en évidence dans cet atelier doivent être abordés afin de soutenir et de permettre à ces commerçants de surmonter leurs difficultés ”, explique Riziki Mweze Françoise, Dynamique Femme, CDJP (Commission Diocésaine Justice et Paix) en RDC »

“These results reflect the realities faced by cross border traders, especially women. The psycho-social issues highlighted in this workshop need to be tackled and addressed in order to support these traders to overcome their struggles”

©Photo: IOM Rwanda

©Photo: IOM Rwanda

©Photo: IOM Rwanda

«We realize that there has been a gap in addressing the psychosocial wellbeing of women in CBT and IOM’s work has been an eye opener. The Rusizi District Council will continue to work closely with partners and donors to advocate for initiatives that will also appraise the psychosocial wellbeing of these women», says Wenceslas Habarugira, Health Promotion & Diseases Prevention Officer, Rusizi District.

The findings showed that these women ask to be valued for who they are and want to be listened to, as clearly expressed by one of the informants. Other significant findings are that female traders turn mostly to husbands and female colleagues for emotional support in case of need and that relatives and friends represent essential supportive networks.

The main takeaways of the consultations have been a common understanding of the factors and stressors that have an impact on the psychosocial well-being of cross border traders, especially women and the supportive networks that can be collectively established and rationalized by authorities, civil society and NGOs. The upcoming endeavor will now be the design of the tailored operational plan to be implemented within the project.

« Les abus et le harcèlement contre les femmes commerçantes transfrontalières est un phénomène social

qui existe depuis longtemps. Cette évaluation devrait permettre la mise en place des mesures de protection

pour la femme lors de la traversée » a déclaré Kajange MENGA, représentant du Commerce Extérieur à

Bukavu. “Abuse and harassment against women cross-border traders is a long-standing social phenomenon. This evaluation should allow the establishment of services responsible for the protection of

women during the crossing.”

©Photo: IOM Rwanda

©Photo: IOM Rwanda

«Understanding the importance of psycho-social wellbeing, including the findings

presented by IOM today, is very useful for institutions to mobilize and create

platforms to support cross border traders», says Jean De Dieu, Rusizi Social Worker.

« Chez SFCG, nous nous concentrons sur le bien-être psycho-social et avec les résultats partagés par l'OIM, nous pouvons ajouter de nouveaux composants pour améliorer nos initiatives de soutien aux commerçants transfrontaliers, en particulier les femmes commerçantes », a déclaré Roger Milenge, Point Focal Petit Commerce de la RDC, SFCG (Search for Common Ground).

"At SFCG, we focus on psycho-social well-being and with the findings shared by IOM we can add new components to enhance our initiatives in supporting cross border traders, especially women traders",

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©Photo: IOM Rwanda

For More Information Please Contact:

IOM RWANDA OFFICE: KG 632 Street, Gasasa, Rugando Cell, Kigali, Rwanda,

Tel: +250788389165, • E-mail: iomrwandapiu@iom.int

Or OSBP Rusizi II Information Line, Tel: +250788353311

This project is funded by EU, implemented by IOM in partnership with Trade Mark East Africa. The contents of this publication are the sole responsibility of IOM and can in no way be taken to reflect the views of the European Union.

©Photo: IOM Rwanda

©Photo: IOM Rwanda