The place where mothers rule

In the far north-east of India, a market created and run exclusively by women has become a haven for mothers and children, an economic boon for the community and a formidable political force.

- MATTEO FAGOTTO

As the first rays of light hit the capital of the remote state of Manipur, the “mothers’ market” is already enveloped in a cacophony of colours and spicy flavours. Fish stalls echo with high-pitched voices of women queuing for succulent golden carp from the nearby Loktak Lake, while early buyers wander around stalls overflowing with local fruit and vegetables, trying to secure the best produce of the day. A few metres away, older women sit alongside rows of pottery and bamboo baskets, chitchatting nonchalantly with their peers. Before unpacking their merchandise, many pay a quick visit to the shrine of Ima Imoinu, the goddess of wealth and business and the market’s main protector.

Located in the centre of the laidback city of Imphal at India’s border with Myanmar, the Ima Keithel in local Meitei language (or ‘mother’s market’) is the biggest market in the world run and managed exclusively by women. Around 10,000 of them work here every day, selling every kind of local product, from food to textiles, knives, toys and religious items.

The Ima Keithel encompasses three adjacent pagoda-style bazaars. Each mother owns a stall, regularly registered and passed down to generations – successors are chosen among sisters, daughters or daughters-in-law. Apart from a few porters, men are not allowed to work here.

“It has always been managed by women. We wouldn’t feel comfortable if men were around,” explains 72-yearold Lalita Soibam, a fish seller who has been working here for 37 years.

“Here we can talk about sensitive family matters, the ups and downs of business, or about friends we have not seen in years. We wouldn’t speak so openly at home,” echoes Victoria Oibam, 50, who manages a banana stall.