Women are often overlooked in economic history, yet market women helped build economic systems from the ground up. In our daily lives, we often hear about men being involved in economics since it is seen as ‘a man’s job,’ and women are rarely asked for their input. But why is that, when women were the ones who helped build urban markets in the first place? Market women are not only the backbone of past urban economies but also a driving force for the future.
History of Market Women
In many societies, especially in Africa and parts of Asia, women controlled markets long before modern corporations. Women sold food and pottery as well as household goods. They connected rural farms to urban consumers by selling the products from those farms in the markets. Additionally, many markets were organised and regulated by women themselves. In some places, market women were also called “market queens.” Alimotu Pelewura led thousands of traders and represented market women politically in Lagos in the early 1900s. Women were not just some sellers; they were leaders of the entire trading system. Furthermore, markets weren’t just economic spaces; they were centres of social and political influence. In simpler words, they were centres of power. Market women formed associations and connections through trading. They used economic influence to gain political power.
Why Were Market Women Overlooked?
Market women played a major role in creating the urban economy, yet their contributions were and are ignored and undervalued. This is because economic history focused more on formal institutions rather than mere markets. It focused on banks, merchants and large corporations, whereas market stalls were seen as unimportant or informal, even though they supported daily urban life. Another reason that they were overlooked was that informal economies were rarely documented, since much of market trade happened outside official records. Since it wasn’t written down in reports, historians often missed these contributions.
Lastly, one of the most important reasons that led to market women being overlooked was gender bias. In many societies, women’s work was and is considered domestic or unimportant. For much of history, and even in the present, many societies believed that men belonged in public economic roles, whereas women believed in supporting roles. As a result of this belief, even when women were actively running markets and trading goods, their work was often seen as an “extension of household duties” rather than real economic activity. This bias, this belief, shaped economic history. Due to this, many influential market women were never recorded by name. Their contributions were minimised or forgotten. That is the hidden truth.
The Future of Market Women
Market women are not just a part of history; they will continue to play a major role in the future of the market economy. Many cities are seeing the growth of small-scale entrepreneurship, which includes women starting businesses. This proves that women traders and vendors are still an important part of local commerce. In many parts of the world, informal markets will provide jobs and affordable goods. Market women help communities access low-cost food and necessities. There is now a growing awareness of women’s role in economic development.
Conclusion
Market women played a fundamental role in building and sustaining the economy. They helped build markets historically but were overlooked due to bias and informal systems. Yet they still continue to influence urban economies today and in the future. History may write of kings and corporations, yet the markets, and the women who kept them alive, are where the real city was built.