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Karachi is more than just a living city. It is also a city of color, light and hope. The warmth it provides to people is unmatched and it’s not that you can’t find a reason to stay here. Long before there were air-conditioned malls and brands, Karachi’s bazaars were the real deal.
Meena Bazaar in Karimabad is one of the oldest bazaars in the city. The name is inspired by special Mughal-era events organized during the festival of Navroz, the Persian New Year, which is usually the first day of the vernal equinox on March 21st. During the Mughal Empire, the festival was celebrated for his 19 days, with the first and last days considered auspicious.
These Meena Bazaars were set up by women for women and were not open to men other than the rulers of the time. The legacy continues today, with spaces set aside for everything from traditional bangles to delicate jumkhas (ear pendants) and glittering dupattas (long head scarves).
But what sets this market apart from others in Karachi is the portion dedicated to female micro-entrepreneurs. As the world transforms into a global village, the word entrepreneurship is thrown into the air without its true meaning being realized. But this bazaar is a living example of how a woman of little privilege can become a successful entrepreneur only through her raw dedication. They are micro-entrepreneurs who drive macro-business.
Once you enter the bazaar, after a few steps there are multiple stairs leading to the upper part, a “men-free zone” where only women are allowed to shop and sell. aajeyen baaji” and the utter chaos of trying to lure you into buying their services reminds me of the hustle and bustle of the city. Please experience the essence of women’s empowerment while walking around that part.
There are about 45 functional shops on the floor, offering services such as henna, personal hygiene, feminine hygiene products and grooming. Special discounts on bridal services are also offered, and the market is always filled with women getting henna (tattoos) and buying personal accessories.
“I was 16 when I first came here. I only knew how to draw flowers on my hands, so I did that when I first held a mehndi cone on my hand. Now I’m married.” I am a mother of two and know how to draw all kinds of mehandi (henna) designs, karke laga sakti hoon (even with my eyes closed) from the Aankhen band,” says Samreen, 32. I spoke with a smile. geo tv.
As I was hanging out, a question lurked in my head. It was about how these women handled the harassment all on their own.The downstairs market is dominated by men, so they could be tricked or harassed on their way to work.
“So far, there have been no serious cases. However, one time, some men in a major market tried to persuade vendors to sell their products and destroy our business. When we tried to protest they harassed us but saari larkiyan ikathi hokar un per bhaari par gaein (all the girls united and overpowered them). always saves us from unfortunate incidents,” said 60-year-old Suriya, who is believed to be the oldest member of the clan.
“I’ve been here all my life. I know what it’s like to look for a job when you don’t have a degree or education. always try to find a place for them.”
Some women are abandoned by their families and hired by bazaar business owners to support them financially until they become independent. These women were hesitant to identify themselves, so Geo News covered the business affairs of the woman who owns the bazaar and runs the shop there, popularly known as Jummah Bhai. We spoke with Ashfaaq Sahab of
“The safety of the women who work here is our number one priority. We have worked hard to keep them safe and provide a space that belongs only to them. We are here from 12:00 to 7:00 pm to make sure we don’t miss market issues and listen to all the difficulties women face,” said Ashfaaq sahab. geo tv.
“Anyone who comes here looking for a job, we will make sure they are adaptable. If they do not have the skills, we will first place them for training and eventually offer them a job,” he added. .
For anyone lucky enough to visit this heritage and culture-rich bazaar, this particular piece will serve as a reminder of the strength and empowerment members of the fair sex carry within themselves. has a story to tell under the roof of both work and home. This place gives them comfort and hope to face the world with strength and dignity.
Meena Bazaar is a place that boldly symbolizes women’s powerful resistance not only to patriarchy, but also to an unfolding world that has yet to catch up with the evolution of gender equality.
the writer is the staff
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