In the heart of Titabar’s Dangdhora area in Assam, a unique and empowering initiative has taken root – the Women’s Market. This exclusive market, established on April 10, 2018, brings together 234 self-help groups from four Panchayats, creating a space where economic empowerment flourishes under the guidance of enterprising women.
Women’s Market in Titabar:
This pioneering market operates solely through women sellers, marking the second women-exclusive market in Assam. Held every Thursday, it stands as a symbol of resilience and self-reliance in the face of economic challenges.
In an exclusive conversation with Dainik Jorhat, one of the sellers shared the genesis of this initiative, saying, “All women in our village came together to establish this market with an objective of economic empowerment. Today, all of us are self-reliant.” This sentiment echoes the broader purpose of the market, which goes beyond commerce to foster a sense of community and mutual support among the women involved.
The women sellers undergo training through self-help groups, equipping them with skills in cultivating agricultural products and creating items using local crafts. The market showcases a diverse range of products, from homegrown fresh vegetables to handwoven clothes, reflecting the rich tapestry of skills within the community.
Reflecting on the trajectory of their business, one seller shared, “The sale of items has remained fluctuating. On our very first day two years back, the market earned a total amount of Rs. 70,000 approximately. We were able to establish ourselves with handsome earnings for the initial days. However, things started going downhill since the time of the COVID-19-induced lockdown.”
In the present scenario, sales are at a stagnant phase, neither too high nor too low. However, during cultural celebrations like Bihu, the market experiences a sudden surge, showcasing the potential for growth when aligned with local festivities.
The Women’s Market operates as a bridge between urban and rural communities. People from urban or semi-urban areas are eager to purchase village products, while villagers explore offerings from urban areas. These weekly markets serve as gateways for locally produced goods to access larger marketing networks, fostering economic interdependence between regions.
Taruni Tamuli Saikia, the President of the cluster, highlighted the financial aspects of the market, stating that during the last Magh mela, the market made a profit of Rs. 76,300. However, during the Rongali mela, the profit was slightly lower at Rs. 48,600. These figures underscore the market’s responsiveness to seasonal variations and highlight its potential for sustained growth.
Source of Inspiration
The inception of Assam’s first all-women market in Namrup district two years prior served as inspiration for the Titabar Women’s Market. The concept drew influence from Manipur’s Ima Keithel, the first all-women market in that state. Such initiatives emphasize the pivotal role women play in community development and the cascading effect their empowerment can have on families, districts, and, ultimately, the entire region.
In a society where economic empowerment often translates to broader community development, the Women’s Market in Titabar stands as a testament to the transformative power of women-driven initiatives. As these women continue to navigate challenges and celebrate successes, their market becomes not just a marketplace but a symbol of empowerment, resilience, and the boundless potential within their community.
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