Ima Keithel, or Ima Market as it is more well known, is a significant landmark in Manipur. It’s also a fantastic illustration of the progress toward gender equality that has been going on for 500 years in Imphal. Ima is the Manipuri word for mother.
It is believed that Ima Keithel is the largest women-only market in Asia, if not the world. It has been operating since the 16th century and now features around 5,000 and 6,000 female merchants selling a wide range of goods like vegetables, fruits, textiles, spices, utensils, etc.
There are three distinct areas within the market, with one on each side of the road. The first two Imas, 1 and 3, may be found to the north of the main road, while Ima 2 can be found to the south.
Unlike Ima 1, where most shops sell groceries, clothing, and other necessities, Ima 2 and Ima 3 specialise on selling brightly coloured fabrics. Most shop owners are middle-aged women. Without a doubt, these mothers have made substantial contributions to Imphal’s economy.
To refer to this old city square as merely a marketplace is, in many respects, an injustice. More than that, it has always stood as a symbol of progress toward gender parity and a way of life for innumerable women.
So, while the concept of gender equality or women’s empowerment may be new to some, it has actually been existing for a long time.
Do you know of a similar place that has been situated for a long time and serves as a great example of women’s empowerment? Please tell us about it in the comments. If it’s possible, I will write another piece that ties each of these tales together.