Street markets have been at the beating heart of East End life for generations, yet — in 2019 — still only about 10% of market traders in Tower Hamlets are women. However, that could all change soon, thanks to the launch of a shiny new street market, comprised solely of female traders.
Funded by Tower Hamlets council, Lady Lane Market will occupy a dedicated space on Wentworth Street, part of the historic Petticoat Lane Market site. From November, Lady Lane Market sees female entrepreneurs from the local area selling an array of homemade products, spanning crafts, skincare, jewellery, and street food.
A key aim of Lady Lane Market is to support women from the local area, particularly those who come from cultures that could prohibit them from working in a male-dominated environment. Those selected to take part in the project received business training, as well as ongoing content marketing and social media training.
The fruit of their labour is an incredibly eclectic mix of wares — from Ethiopian vegan food, to natural beauty products, to Somalian hot sauce. Sample them for yourself and help support local business at the market's inaugural edition on Friday 15 November, 10am-3pm. The market is set to run weekly, so if you can't make the launch, pop down for a spot of Christmas shopping (or a steaming bowl of chickpea spiced stew) later this month.
Lady Lane Market, every Friday, 10am-3pm at Wentworth Street. Cash and cards are accepted.
