Entrepreneurs Associates (EA), in its effort to assist women street vendors across the state, organised a one day workshop in Phek on August 31 for street vendors, in partnership with Caring Friends India. The day long workshop delved on the issues and problems that the women face along with the opportunities that are overlooked in this trade, at Phek Town Chamber of Commerce and Industries (PCCI).
In a press release, EA stated that while addressing the gathering of women vendors, many of whom came in from neighbouring villages, EA’s CEO coordinator, Neichute Doulo encouraged the women to work hard and commit to saving for their future, promising that EA would contribute to their savings once it reached Rs. 10,000. Emphasising on poultry rearing for egg production, he challenged the women to make Phek district import free within the next five years. Sharing on the opportunities of the horticulture sector and banking on the blessings of nature, he asserted that planting ‘Lemon’ trees could be one activity that could offer a huge scope for earning and encouraged the women to grow it even for export.
ADC Phek, Avelu Ruho, encouraged the street vendors to practice honesty and fair business dealings. He also exhorted them to be polite and practise the habit of offering clean and presentable products to gain customers. Appreciating the efforts made by EA, she asked the vendors to better organise their business and activities while leveraging the opportunities that are offered by EA. Meanwhile Avelu also guaranteed that the administration would try its best to educate citizens to buy from local vendors to facilitate their businesses.
Phek Area Mothers’ Association president, Besuvolu Venuh, challenged them to promote their businesses. Phek Area Farmers Union president, Theputhiyi Venuh also encouraged the vendors to take their work seriously and attempt to increase production and yield to expand their business.
EA intends to reach out to 1,000 women vendors this year from all parts of the state through its project of “Uplifting Women Street Vendors”. The organisation has so far conducted similar workshops with vendors in Pfutsero, Kohima, Dimapur and Mokokchung town.
The program was chaired by EATACOL branch manager, Welhikhro Mero, while assistant pastor PTBC, Ngotsolo Therie, pronounced the invocation.