Celebrating unappreciated women in the society

Today,

I choose to challenge the stereotypic thoughts, perception and the use of words extended to certain women because they do not fit certain societally approved behaviour, status, or system. One of such are MARKET WOMEN whose values are mostly derecognized as one of the grassroot contributors to economic exchange and stability in the country. These women not only engage in buying and selling of goods/foodstuff but create an avenue for individuals from all social and economic status to bargain and get the best out of their wares. Rather than recognizing these women’s economical affinity, entrepreneurial skills, and financial acumen, they are acknowledged as uneducated, loud, and lousy. In fact, they are used as insulting vocabulary for other women in other spaces. Of course, those in power are not exempted, they lobby the votes of these women while making false promises but do not acknowledge their contribution to the country’s economy. Finally, when celebrating women for their role in making a difference or paving ways for other women, market women hardly fit into that narrative. However, if we as a people do not look closely and critically at particular people who occupy certain spaces, we would never know how much we depend on their resilience to survive.

Anyway, the next time you are called a market woman, or your actions is associated with one, remind ignoramus caller that you bear that badge with a great sense of pride since you recognize it as a cloak of honour and respectability and a potential economic guru in the making!