Lives of Mumbai’s Koli women

In Mumbai's Khar Danda fish market, Koli women trade fish twice a day, with the exchange starting in the early hours after procuring fish from different docks. The market, at least a century old, has a designated indoor space where women trade fish, pay around Rs. 5,000 annually to the local civic body for a designated seat, and also sell household commodities and snacks.

However, the bright sarees and appearance of Koli women hide the gloomy picture of their daily lives. These women are the sole breadwinners for their families and struggle with financial crises on a daily basis. For instance, Suman, who started fish trading at age 11 after leaving school, sometimes earns as little as Rs. 200 or 300 a day, and other days a thousand. She saves nothing, and weekdays can be slow with no customers, while Sunday is the busiest day.

Additionally, the indoor area where the trade takes place is in disrepair, with the rusted and broken pillars and shields that protect from harsh sun and monsoon lost. The workers fixing the repairs have asked the women to leave, causing fear for their livelihoods. Despite these challenges, these women continue to trade, striving to make ends meet.

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