News in brief:
– Kano’s Farm Centre market bans women after 7 PM to curb alleged immoral activities, sparking mixed reactions.
– Concerns arise over the impact on women conducting legitimate business and the controversial implementation process.
The leadership of the Farm Centre mobile phone market in Kano City, Nigeria, has implemented a controversial policy banning women from entering or staying in the market after 7 PM. This decision, effective immediately, has stirred debates among traders and residents about its purpose and implications.
New market policy and rationale
The market chairman, Ambassador Jamilu Bala, explained that the decision aims to curb alleged immoral activities involving women in some shops. “This market is strictly for mobile phone sales and repairs. We cannot allow any actions that harm our discipline or blessings,” Bala stated. He also warned traders against harbouring women in their shops after hours, emphasising that offenders would face strict consequences.
Bala noted that the policy aligns with the closing hours of most markets in Kano, typically at 6 PM, and aims to maintain discipline within the market community.
Mixed reactions among traders
The new rule has divided opinions:
- Supporters argue it protects the market’s reputation and promotes order. Ahmed Isa, a trader, remarked, “We want the market to thrive, so we agree with the policy.”
- Critics, however, disapprove of the method of implementation. Traders expressed frustration over the circulation of videos on social media, which depicted them as complicit in immoral acts. “It was unfair to record and share videos during the announcement,” said Umar Dantaro, calling for a more private approach.
Concerns for women vendors
The ban raises concerns about its impact on women conducting legitimate business activities, such as food vendors or mobile phone buyers. It remains unclear whether accommodations will be made for such individuals or if exceptions will be granted.
This policy, while local to Kano, reflects broader issues of gender dynamics, market regulations, and cultural practices that resonate with farmers, traders, and entrepreneurs worldwide. Balancing moral values with business needs poses challenges in various contexts, especially in rural and urban markets.
