SEWA Dimapur in collaboration with North East Network and Dimapur Municipal Council observed International Street Vendors’ Day and SVANidhi Mahotsav 2026 at DUDA Hall, Dimapur.
Women vendors raise concerns of water, sanitation and safety at Street Vendors’ Day programme
Dimapur, November 13 (MExN): The Self Employed Women’s Association (SEWA) Dimapur, in collaboration with North East Network (NEN) and Dimapur Municipal Council (DMC), observed International Street Vendors’ Day and SVANidhi Mahotsav 2026 at DUDA Hall, Dimapur under the theme “Climate-Resilient Markets, Stronger Voices.”
The programme brought together women street vendors, government officials and other stakeholders to discuss climate resilience, livelihood security and improved market facilities, a press release said.
Addressing the gathering, Temjenlemla, State Project Coordinator, SEWA Nagaland, emphasised that building climate-resilient markets requires both improved infrastructure and women’s participation in decisions affecting their livelihoods.
Referring to the Nagaland Street Vendors Rules, 2019, she highlighted the need to revive the inactive Town Vending Committee (TVC) in Dimapur to strengthen dialogue between vendors and authorities. A video screening showcased the everyday challenges faced by women street vendors.
Women street vendors raised pressing concerns about their working conditions. Rita ben shared that she spends approximately Rs 4,500 monthly on drinking water and Rs 3,800–3,900 on sanitation, highlighting the financial and health burdens of inadequate facilities. She also proposed community composting to address waste management challenges. Alila from New Market recalled past eviction drives and called for a dedicated market for local Naga vendors, while Bendang raised safety concerns for women who begin vending as early as 1:00 AM.
Naro, Delegate from DMC, highlighted the benefits of PM SVANidhi and information on a credit card facility of up to Rs 30,000. She encouraged vendors to maintain cleanliness, stressing that keeping markets clean is everyone’s responsibility. Three street vendors were recognised for their performance under the scheme, while SBI Evening Branch, Dimapur, was acknowledged for facilitating the highest number of loans. Tsipila shared how the scheme helped her expand her business and appealed for access to MUDRA loans.
Kevilenuo Solo, Secretary, DAN outlined plans under the Swachhata Committee for a pedestrian plaza, water-vending machines at nominal charges and improved public toilets, with proposed collaboration involving SEWA Dimapur. Referring to the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2026, she stressed waste segregation and collective responsibility for cleaner markets. Representatives from DMC and Development Authority Nagaland also discussed infrastructure improvements, coordination and concerns regarding vending-space charges.
Concluding the programme, SEWA Dimapur urged the concerned authorities to urgently reactivate the TVC with meaningful representation of women street vendors and take concrete, time-bound action to provide safe drinking water, shaded spaces, clean toilets, proper drainage and effective waste management.
The collective message was clear: climate-resilient markets must protect women’s health, secure their livelihoods and ensure their voices are heard in shaping Dimapur’s future, the release added.
