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Seen here are organisers and vendors during a programme organised for women vendors in Dimapur.[/caption]
Dimapur, May 1 (EMN): Delving on the intricacies of the Street Vendors Act that was passed in India in 2014, the chief judicial magistrate of Dimapur, Ajongba Imchen said that Act is yet to be put in place in Nagaland.
Also observing the International Labour Day, the chief judicial magistrate said that the constitution also ensures certain rights and privileges for vendors in all parts of the country. Stating that proper toilets and drinking water are basic needs that should be available to them at all their work places, he encouraged the women to fight for what is rightfully theirs.
Addressing the women vendors, Imchen who is also the secretary of Dimapur District Legal Services Authority (DDLSA), encouraged the vendors to know their rights and be empowered through the knowledge.
A day-long programme was conducted for women vendors of Dimapur as a part of an ongoing initiative of the Entrepreneurs Associates’ “Uplifting Women Street vendors” project. The programme was organised in partnership with the Dimapur District Legal Services Authority (DDLSA), the Dr. K & T Keditsu Foundation and Caring Friends, India. A press release received on Tuesday from the organisers updated.
The programme witnessed sessions on legal rights, health care and financial management, with around 100 women street vendors attendance.
Following the talk, the chief judicial magistrate and panel lawyers interacted with the women and informed them that they could avail their services if required any time they needed.
Representing the Dr. K &T Keditsu Foundation, Dr. Thejavinuo Keditsu spoke about the common ailments that can affect women at any age and time. Keeping in mind the fact that many of these women sit in areas where there are no proper toilets or facilities to avail drinking water, she informed that women need to take precautions to enjoy a healthy life.
Talking on issues like Urinary Tract Infections (UTI) and those that affect the reproductive systems, Dr.Keditsu encouraged the vendors to listen to their body so that timely medical attention can be sought whenever required.
The Entrepreneurs Associates also provided intensive inputs on financial literacy and management stressing on the importance of savings.
Addressing the women vendors, Neichute Doulo, CEO of EA who is also the coordinator of Social Group of Ventures, spoke about the need for them to plan for their finances. He asserted that the only way to get rich was to save, make good investments and seek ways to increase income. Urging the women to be wise in making economic decisions, he highlighted some other livelihood enhancing opportunities that the women can explore to increase their income.
A session on the saving schemes and products of EA under its cooperatives wing ‘EATACOL’ was conducted by Temsurenla Ao, branch manager, Dimapur.
The Entrepreneurs Associates is stated to have been undertaking this project for women vendors across the state to inform, empower and equip the street vendors to enhance their living standards. The project is a much felt need and has been conceptualised based on observations made as a result of their work spanning nearly two decades. EA has conducted similar workshops in Kohima and Pfutsero with plans for more in other districts of the state, it informed.