Imphal: When discussing women in Manipur, the first thing that comes to mind is the ‘Ema Keithel’ or Mother’s Market, a more than 500-year-old marketplace in the heart of Imphal city that is entirely run and managed by women.
These 5,000 women vendors, many of them the sole breadwinners, are not only driving the local economy but also holding their families together with resilience and determination.
From the historic Ima Keithel (Mother’s Market) in Imphal to small roadside stalls across the state, these women traders, both licensed and unlicensed, are a testament to strength, entrepreneurship, and cultural identity, even in times of crisis and all weather conditions, showcasing their resilience and grit.
Despite the ongoing law and order crisis that has gripped the state for over two years, these women traders, who sell vegetables, textiles, and crafts, are undaunted by the challenges and carry forward a legacy of economic independence and entrepreneurial spirit.
In our recent visit to Ema Keithel, we interacted with a few women vendors and noticed their determined spirit in providing for their families even in challenging conditions.
For 56-year-old Ibema, a resident of Wangoi under Imphal West district, Ema Keithel has not only provided a space for trading but also a place of love and laughter with fellow women vendors.
A mother of three daughters, Ibema has been selling vegetables at the steps of Leimarel Sidabi Keithel, one of the three complexes of Mother’s Market at the heart of Imphal, for the last 20 years.
“I am the sole provider in my family now after my husband, who was a labourer, injured both legs in an accident,” said Ibema, who earns Rs 200 to Rs 500 a day. Like the other vendors, she buys the vegetables from wholesalers and resells them.
Amid the ongoing crisis, frequent bandhs and shutdowns have severely affected these women traders, and relentless heavy rainfall has compounded the situation.
Tampasana, a resident of Naoremthong Uripok, expressed that the incessant rainfall has hampered her business since she gets only a few customers, and the dried fish often gets moist, compelling her to reheat them at home.
“During the crisis, many of us were compelled to stay home since the markets were closed. And now, owing to heavy rainfall, I cannot make any profits,” lamented Tampasana, who sells dried fish. Ever since her husband passed away during the COVID-19 pandemic, Tampasana has become the sole provider for her family.
Unlike the other women vendors who have their own dedicated space to sell their products, Beracha, a single mother of two young kids from Mayang Imphal, makes her living by walking around the Ema Keithel with a bunch of plastic bags containing either vegetables or fruits and reselling them to customers.
Like other women traders, she normally begins her day at dawn and buys the vegetables or fruits which have lower prices from wholesalers and later resells them.
“I have to make a living to support my two children, who are in classes 5 and 7, by selling fruits and vegetables,” said Beracha hurriedly as she rushed to a customer to sell the mangoes. After her husband passed away five years ago, Beracha has been bearing the burdens of running her family.
Echel, 48, a dedicated vendor at the Mother’s Market, appreciates the opportunity to contribute to her family’s finances by supplementing her husband’s income, who is employed at a brickfield in Lilong Chajing, Thoubal district. This partnership strengthens their household and empowers her to support her family’s needs.
“I usually leave home by around 5 am and head straight to the temporary market where vegetables are available at wholesale prices,” said Echel. A resident of Samurou Wangoi Mathak, this mother of two children has been doing the business for the last 10 years.
Fortunately, for Ibema, a 54-year-old mother of three college-going children from Nambol Naorem, she does not have to worry about buying the vegetables from wholesalers since her husband tends their family farm, including fish farming, while she sells the farm produce at the market.
“My husband is a fish farmer, and he usually takes care of the farm. So, whatever he brings from our farm, I come here and sell it at Nagamapal,” said Ibema while carefully placing freshly plucked fox nuts, locally known as Thangjing, a Manipuri delicacy.
Even in the face of numerous challenges, these women have demonstrated remarkable resilience and determination. They tirelessly strive to support their families, often juggling multiple roles and responsibilities. Their unwavering commitment not only enhances the well-being of their households but also plays a vital role in revitalising the local economy.
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