Maweshi mandis buzz with the excitement of on-lookers and buyers as Eid-ul-Adha approaches. However, very few women are seen in cattle markets because of the social norms. But they need not despair anymore because the first-ever women-only cattle market will soon open.
Located at Taiser Town on the Northern Bypass, this market will soon welcome women to participate in traditional trading activities.
The market’s opening got delayed because of bad weather, but it is expected to start soon with the help of the Sindh government.
Who Made this Novel Idea Possible?
This market is the brainchild of Ruqqaiya Fareed, a caring social activist who helps others. She noticed that women who didn’t have male relatives with them faced difficulties when going to regular cattle markets.
She understood they needed support and created this market to help them. She wanted to develop a market where women could buy and sell animals without any problems or mistreatment.
How Will the New Cattle Market Benefit Women?
Ruqqaiya explained that many women face problems and feel uncomfortable when they try to get animals for Eid-ul-Azha in markets predominantly occupied by men.
She said that this market is a place where women can show the animals they have worked hard for and make a good income from selling them. They will also receive training to help them run their businesses and handle money wisely.
The women-only cattle market has made women very excited because they are looking forward to buying animals themselves. To make the experience even better, the market will give special discounts, let families enter for free, and have a food street.
Ruqqaiya has big plans and wants to bring this idea to other cities in Pakistan too. Her vision is inspiring and impactful as a means of promoting gender equality and economic empowerment for women across the country.
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