At the bustling Yaba Market in Lagos, Nigeria, there is something for everyone.
Chatter rises from the traders, whose stalls sprawl over miles of cracked gray concrete and packed earth. They might be selling baskets of fresh fruit, wheelbarrows stuffed with phone cases, piles of sequined fabrics or racks of second-hand clothes.
If you’re lucky, you might find a vintage jacket you’ve been searching for, or a pair of long-lasting Levi’s jeans. But you’re never going to be as lucky as Dencity: the coolest of the cool kids of Lagos. These skaters, often clad in a uniform of baggy pants and crop tops, head to the market to go thrifting each week. They’re armed with fashion knowledge only the young, fun and determined can possess and seek out the best streetwear they can find.
Founded by 26-year-old Blessing Ewona in 2020 in response to the dearth of spaces for young…
2023-02-02 08:56:46 In This Nigerian Market, Young Women Find a Place of Their Own
Link from www.nytimes.com The markets of Afaha Ikot Obio Nsit in Nigeria are a proud example of the country’s culture and commerce. Today, it is also a symbol for the emergence of a new generation of entrepreneurs, as young women venture out to make their own mark in the community.
Prior to this, the realm of business was mainly the domain of men, but the contributions of the young female traders of Afaha Ikot Obio Nsit are a testament to their drive, creativity and ambition. The diversity of goods available from these market traders is reflective of a vibrant and varied economy, as they offer everything from local craft, clothes and other items, to affordable and nutritional foodstuff.
In addition to providing goods and services to the community, these young women are setting a positive example of women in business, something which is still very rare in Nigeria. This example may inspire other women to pursue their entrepreneurial ambitions and challenge traditional gender stereotypes.
The potential of this new business-minded generation has been met with enthusiasm, as the positive effect of their presence can be seen in the increased levels of production, distribution and sales these markets are now experiencing. It is a promising view into a future in which entrepreneurship is open to all, regardless of gender.
The world today is changing for the better and Afaha Ikot Obio Nsit is no different. It is inspiring to see young women make their mark in a male-dominated marketplace, and it goes to show that we can all make a positive contribution to our communities if we set our minds to it. Congratulations to all the young entrepreneurs of the Afaha Ikot Obio Nsit market and may their success continue to inspire more women to pursue their entrepreneurial dreams.
