Women Entrepreneurs take over Madinah’s street markets 

Women Entrepreneurs take over Madinah’s street markets 

May 27, 2017
Women Entrepreneurs take over Madinah’s street markets 
Women Entrepreneurs take over Madinah’s street markets 

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By Mariam Nihal
Saudi Gazette

Contrary to popular belief, women in Saudi Arabia are seen participating in every day business activities, not just corporate jobs but also street markets. From primary to tertiary sector,women from different backgrounds in the country work daily and also act as the main source of income for their families.

It is common to see many women vendors on the streets of Madinah selling a variety of products to pilgrims and locals.

Most women tend to sell fresh food items apart from clothes, accessories, prayer mats and books, costume jewelry and toys. Their main source of income comes from selling in populated areas namely outside mosques and pilgrimage sites.

“I am the sole bread winner in my family, I have two daughters and son who is too young to work but he helps me carry fresh produce everyday that I sell to pilgrims and tourists in Madinah,” Amu Zain, a Saudi woman living in Madinah told Saudi Gazette. Ramadan is the peak season for most vendors in Madinah. “It really doesn’t matter where you are because Ramadan is a month of blessing and we make a lot wherever we are. Closer to the haram gets crowded so I set up my place after Asr at a mosque nearby to sell antiques, scarves, prayer mats and beads,” AmuHamza, told Saudi Gazette. Most vendors said they settle closer to their homes so it is easier to commute during Ramadan, at a time whenMadinah is full of pilgrims from all across the world.  “We work during the year and in Ramadan, most people who come from big cities toMadinah see women working everywhere and may be surprised. But this has been the way for us and the number of women working here has only increased,” a street vendor named Marwah, told Saudi Gazette. Many illegal vendors also tend to occupy public spaces, including children especially during this month in hopes of earning more through charity.


May 27, 2017
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