Women street vendors in Rawalpindi

Street vending is not new to Rawalpindi, but its gender dynamics are slowly shifting. According to a recent study by a local rights group, the number of female street vendors in the city has nearly doubled over the past five years. Most are widows, divorced, or primary breadwinners in large households.

“On a narrow street near Committee Chowk, under a faded umbrella patched together with plastic sheets, 42-year-old Samina Bibi arranges her stack of colourful bangles and handmade cloth masks. Her stall may be small, but her presence on the street is monumental,” says Fazeelat Naqvi.

“I didn’t know anything about business, gently placing a red velvet bangle in the front row. My husband fell ill. I had to do something. I started with just a plastic sheet on the ground outside Raja Bazaar,” says Samina.

“As the sun sets, Samina begins to pack up her bangles. She will return tomorrow, as she has every day for three years now. She does not seek praise, only peace, safety, and a steady day’s earnings. When people buy from me, they respect me. That’s all I want,” she says with a quiet smile.

“Samina is among a quiet revolution of women street vendors redefining what it means to earn a living in Rawalpindi. Despite facing deeply ingrained gender norms, harassment, and a lack of legal recognition, these women are carving out a space for themselves in the city’s bustling informal economy,” says Sabeeha Hussain.