Imphal, April 16: A small market place at Hailakandi district of Assam is all set to become yet another all women managed market like the famed Khwairamband Bazar of Imphal.

Dominated by Meetei population in the district, Meetei women have taken over the Nutan Bazar constructed under SGSY, 2001- 02 from their male counterparts since April 6 this year.

Earlier it was the tradition for the men to sell goods in the market on Mondays and Fridays (the market remains closed for the rest of the days) while women-folks do the buying.

But now it is the other way round.

The role reversal has been brought about with the tireless efforts of a Self Help Group (SHG) called Thamoi SHG operating from Laishram Khul.

Talking to The Sangai Express, president of the SHG Oinam Usharani Chanu informed that when Meeteis started settling in the area, there was no such tradition wherein women folks could come out in the market places to sell goods and earn income for the family like in Manipur.

However, economic constraints and lack of job opportunities had brought about changes in the society.

The womenfolk have started coming out in the market to contribute their mite in the income of the family, she said.

The support extended by the male members is also one of the main factor which has led to emergence of an all-women market, Usharani said, adding that if the number of women vendors increase efforts would be made to expand the market area in consultation with the Bazar Committee.

Initially the womenfolk sold goods in the market only on Wednesdays, she informed.

On the first day of the all-women market, there were only 50 women vendors but on April 13, the number of women vendors increased to 70.70-year old Naoroibam Sorojini of Thounakhul, who was one of the women vendors who sold fish in the market on the first day informed that she sold 15 kg of fish on that day.

Perhaps it might be due to the fact that such an all-women market has come up for the first time in the area, it was interesting to note that all the women vendors were seen in their best attire with some of them even wearing Saree.

Comment