Women vendors in Kohima share a light moment. (Morung Photo: For Representational Purposes Only)
Morung Express News
Kohima | May 11
Women street vendors are known for their relentless efforts to sustain their livelihoods. For mothers among them, the burden is heavier—marked by little rest, no reprieve, and silent endurance.
Peni, 45, marked this Mother's Day with quiet perseverance, striving to raise her children the best she can.
After losing her husband in 2016, this vegetable vendor in Kohima continues to raise her three children, ensuring they receive a private school education, driven by her unwavering maternal conviction.
“I know, I cannot become rich in my lifetime but I will never surrender until my death bed to raise my children,” Peni declared with resolve.
Though street vending is a business, it is unpredictable and vegetable sellers often face losses from unsold perishable goods and, they sometimes settle for minimal earnings despite long hours and hard work.
“I send my children to school and come to my shop as soon as possible,” shared Notole, a mother of two in her 30s, adding that despite spending many hours on the road, sales are often slow and minimal.
"Olop, olop hoilebi jama kuribo lagijai (Even a little at a time, we must save)," she added, emphasising that despite minimal or no profit, they must continue by being economical.
It's not just selling vegetables; they also shoulder numerous other responsibilities independently.
Notole informed that her husband is a daily wage earner, and with no other option, she juggles picking up her young children from school and managing home duties while balancing her work.
Despite the challenges, life goes on without compromising any priorities.
For instance, Peni also weaves plastic baskets to sell alongside her vegetable stall. "These baskets don't sell quickly, but even selling one or two occasionally makes a big difference," she said.
For her, the joy of seeing her children progress is truly rewarding. "By God's grace, my eldest has passed matriculation, and the youngest is now in Class 7," she shared, hopeful that her children will get well educated.
Likewise, Khrielüo, 27, a mother of two, highlighted the challenge of managing her vegetable shop while caring for her infant children, aged 1 and 3.
When asked how she makes ends meet, Khrielüo explained that she sells vegetables with a longer shelf life or sacrifices work on certain days, as her young children cannot be left unattended, especially when they fall sick.
As a mother, she confessed feeling guilty at times when she struggles to make a decent sale or when one of her children requires extra care.
In addition to being the family's breadwinner,
Like many street vendors, Wepe, in addition to being the family's breadwinner, strives to live with dignity while instilling strong moral and spiritual values in her children.
“My husband struggles with alcoholism, and much of his salary goes towards it. While we take him to prayer centre and pray for his change, it’s difficult to see progress,” shared the mother of five.
Wepe, however, places her hope in her children, who, according to her, have so far been “obedient and God-fearing.”
“I tell them to study well and stay active in church. I also attend Sunday and women’s services despite the obstacles I face,” she informed, ensuring she leads by example for her children.
These stories embody the quiet strength and resilience of women street vendors, who, through unwavering determination, balance work and motherhood while nurturing hope and striving for a better future.
