A first-of-its-kind cattle market, managed entirely by women, has been set up in the Shadman Town neighborhood of Karachi city. The market offers special discounts for women buyers looking for sacrificial animals on Eid ul Azha 2023.
This unique market has been set up by Ruqya Fareed, who hails from a family involved in the cattle farming business in Punjab. “If I can do it, why not my sisters as well?” she says.
Fareed recognized that women whose male family members were absent during Eid could not fulfill their religious obligation of sacrifice. Moreover, there were women who dedicated their time and effort to rearing sacrificial animals but received no profit in return. To address these challenges, she established the cattle market, enabling women to sell their own animals and supporting those who assist their male family members in the trade.
“This initiative not only empowers women who rear sacrificial animals at home, but it also offers a platform for women who wish to contribute to their family’s business,” Ms. Fareed explained.
In addition to her own animals, Fareed showcased “Babloo,” a white bull with a brown patch, and “Laali,” a red cow, both approximately two-and-a-half years old. She expressed her intention to expand the market’s reach by providing training to women interested in running cattle farms.
Bargaining and special discounts
There is a chance of lots of bargaining as the buyers and sellers are both women. The sellers, understanding the budget constraints of female buyers, willingly reduce their prices to accommodate them. Fareed shared instances where she sold animals at lower prices to fulfill the buyers’ preferences. One goat worth Rs 55,000 was sold at Rs 40,000 because the family could not afford such a high price, said one woman buyer at the Ruqya Fareed Cattle Market.
Miss Fareed says they are offering huge discounts exclusively to women buyers, considering inflation and budget constraints.
Mini-food street
The market also extends beyond livestock trading, with a mini food street offering homemade snacks and delicacies sold by homemakers. Fareed believes in empowering all women associated with the market and encourages visitors to support these food stalls.
Drive through system
The market has implemented a drive-through system to cater to various preferences, allowing customers to make purchases without leaving their vehicles. This convenience appeals to shoppers seeking a hassle-free experience.
The animals at the market exhibit a gentle and docile demeanor, a testament to the love and care they received at the farms from the families that raised them. Raised with the utmost affection, these animals enjoyed treats like roti, ghee choori (sweet crumbled and pounded roti dessert), and cooked rice in their previous homes.
The market’s success has garnered positive feedback, inspiring hope for more women-led cattle markets and farms all across Pakistan.