00:06Women are at the heart of daily commerce across Cameroon's vibrant informal markets.
00:12From clothing traders to food vendors, they rise early to face the realities of an economy
00:18where formal jobs are scarce and living costs remain a challenge.
00:24Running a clothing business is very challenging because sales are limited.
00:28As a woman and mother, I must balance home responsibilities with a business.
00:33Doing business in Cameroon is an uphill task.
00:36Constant price hikes and fluctuations in basic goods greatly affect us.
00:40We barely break even, especially in a country where salaries are extremely low,
00:45making it difficult for customers to buy.
00:48Still, we keep going.
00:52Resilience for these entrepreneurs comes in everyday tweaks.
00:55They are forced to stretch their limited budgets, negotiate harder with suppliers while shouldering high transportation fees.
01:04Yet, Jamilatu says they persist, finding creative ways to adapt and keep their enterprises alive amid economic pressures.
01:13Goods are now very expensive compared to before.
01:17At bush markets, prices are extremely high and transportation costs add another burden.
01:22By the time we bring goods to town and sell them, the revenue often only covers transport and costs.
01:28The profit is so limited that it cannot sustain a family, let alone pay children's school fees,
01:33which is the main reason we do business.
01:36Economists highlight that women-led informal enterprises form a cornerstone of Cameroon's economy.
01:43They provide livelihoods for millions, dominating key sectors like retail, agriculture, trade and services.
01:52Women-led enterprises are a cornerstone of Cameroon's economy.
01:55They provide employment and livelihoods to millions.
01:59These enterprises are the primary means through which women participate in the economy.
02:03The most dominant sectors include agriculture, retail, trade, manufacturing and services, such as hairstyling and restaurants.
02:12Collectively, these activities contribute significantly to the country's GDP.
02:18As Cameroon navigates recovery, with projected growth of around 3.3% this year and inflation stabilizing,
02:26it's these women, ordinary yet extraordinary, who hold the economy steady.
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