• Loreni Tsanglao, NET Correspondent, Nagaland 

In an attempt to encourage self-sufficiency and providing independent livelihood for women, a Nagaland-based organization – Entrepreneurs Associates (EA) along with the Office of Additional Deputy Commissioner of Zunheboto District organized the ‘Uplifting Women Street Vendors Program’ at Pughoboto Town.

Supported by Capri Global Capital Limited, this program is initiated through a series of trainings and workshops that addresses the needs of local women street vendors, who form a vital part of the supply chain for providing fruits & vegetables to urban households.

According to a survey conducted by EA, it is estimated that about 30,000 women are engaged in street vending local products across the state.

This training programme held at Pughoboto was attended by women street vendors, farmers and entrepreneurs from the town and the neighbouring villages. It focused on generating awareness about the significance of financial literacy, for a scalable business alongwith improved living standards.

Chaired by Ms Keren Swu, Incubation Lead, EA, the programme commenced with a prayer pronounced by Ms Kipitoli Shohe, Children Pastor, Pughoboto Baptist Church.

In order to highlight the history of EA which began in 2000 in a small one roomed office in Kohima, the EA’s Advisor, Neikule Doulo shared that as of 2022, EA now works in Nagaland and Manipur with branch offices across the states.

Asserting further on ‘Uplifting Women Street Vendors Program’, Doulo mentioned that main aim of the organization is to lend support towards women for scaling their businesses and improve their livelihoods which will directly impact their families and communities.

She encouraged the women to give importance to the work they do and strive to do it well. Neikule also shared some of the current initiatives of the organization, specially mentioning the Interest Free Loans for street vendors, which EA is forwarding through immense support from its partners.

Emphasizing on the importance of savings and proper budgeting, Mr Senti Walling; Branch Manager, Nagaland Rural Bank, Pughoboto shared some tips to help the women manage their finances better. He also pointed out some schemes which could be beneficial for the women while also advising them to maintain financial discipline to be eligible for such facilities.

Exhorting the women to conduct their businesses with pride and self-worth, Mr Thungchanbemo Tungoe, ADC, Pughoboto; also stressed on the role that vendors are playing in local economies. He urged them to avail support wherever they can to improve their living standards and help their families progress in life. Reiterating the importance of a mother’s role in families and their significant impact in the lives of those around them, the ADC shared that there is dignity in every kind of job, with every job playing a vital role in societal growth.

Its worthy to note that EA has so far trained over 4000 women street vendors, micro-entrepreneurs and women farmers across Nagaland and Manipur since the launch of the program in October 2017.

Meanwhile, the next program for the women will be held in Mon on February 9, 2022 followed by another such event in Jalukie town on February 16.