Impact of COVID 19 on the Women Vendors of Ima Market, Manipur

Abstract

The Ima Market in Manipur is an all-women market which is also regarded as the largest in Asia. Men are not permitted to sell, do business or own a store of their own, but they can buy anything they wish, and they are often allowed to work as labourers for transporting heavy goods. Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) began in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China, and spread around the world, causing a global pandemic. Lockdowns were enforced in many parts of the world, and their effects were felt by everyone, including the women vendors of Ima Market. They also play an important part in the state's economy. However, this specific market was closed for ten months. As a result, it is vital to investigate the impact of its closure due to the lockdown including their socioeconomic situation and the resulting financial instability. The study delves into the difficulties faced by the women sellers of Ima market during the lockdown. It also analyses the impact of their income drop, the hardships faced by their families along with the alternative ways they opted for in order to earn their livelihood. In addition to this, the paper also studies the socio-economic impact of the lockdown including the availability of food during the closure of the market.