Street trading among passengers on board cars while traveling seems to be the preserve of men. However, on the RN 3, the reality is quite different. It is women who lead the dance for this dynamic and risky trade. This blogger, who regularly takes this road, shares his admiration for these courageous ladies.
For professional reasons, I have become a frequent traveler on the Bujumbura-Rumonge road (RN 3). For me, the excitement of these trips lies in being expected at the other end by my family, friends and colleagues. To honor their expectations, I impose certain requirements on myself. Like a hunter returning with game, I must bring something back.
Besides, when returning to Bujumbura, I never miss reminders to bring back at least some oranges, mandarins or beaten cassava paste. (grain)especially since these products are cheap in the region. It is precisely the purchase of these commodities that I wish to talk about here.
We do these purchases from street vendors who sell their products directly on board or from the windows of the vehicles. Here is what captivated me about this trade which, elsewhere, seems to be the preserve of men: the predominance of the female gender.
Comfortable with this business
Looking more closely at this small business, it is easy to see that there is a kind of tacit agreement between the drivers, the passengers and these traders. On this road, essential points for stocking up are known. When we approach the localities of Gitaza, Magara, Kagongo or Minago, I frequently hear this reminder from the conveyor inviting passengers to prepare their money so as not to waste time: “Put some loose change around and let’s spend some time!” (Be ready with your money so you don’t waste time)
Take the example of the centre of Magara where the bus cannot pass without stopping. As soon as the vehicle slows down, a rush of shopkeepers rushes in. It is a real competition to be the first to reach the windows. They offer various goods carefully placed in stable balance on the trays that they carry on their heads or at shoulder height.
Haggling is done in the blink of an eye. We are all aware that we do not have much time to make purchases. This is where I admire the way these ladies do things. Their power of persuasion is exceptional. Some look you straight in the eye, explain to you in an insistent voice that her fruits are the sweetest, that the paste is of the best quality. At the slightest reluctance from the customer, the others rush to supplant the first ones. The competition is fierce. When the vehicle starts up again, those who have not yet completed their transactions follow the car running to get the money or take back their products.
One day, amazed, I remarked aloud on the bravery of these shopkeepers, addressing one of them through the bus window. She answered me without batting an eyelid: “There is no woman living in Tanganyika who does not care!” (A woman who lives near Lake Tanganyika must know how to fend for herself.)
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2024-09-20 08:49:50