{
  "id": 16170161,
  "title": "Generations of women sustain Kelantan's famed Siti Khadijah Market",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/23/generations-of-women-sustain-kelantans-famed-siti-khadijah-market",
  "topic": "finance",
  "section": "Finance & Markets",
  "published": "2026-10-23T09:12:35.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Channel News Asia",
    "slug": "channel-news-asia",
    "url": "https://www.channelnewsasia.com/asia/siti-khadijah-market-kelantan-malaysia-tourists-women-traders-6485801"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "For over nine decades, women have dominated the Siti Khadijah Market in Kelantan, Malaysia, a market renowned for its diverse offerings and strong female presence. At 80 years old, Fatimah Farik, the oldest trader at the market, has been in her family's clothing business for generations. She is joined by countless other women, comprising more than 90% of the market's traders, who have followed in their mothers', fathers', and grandmothers' footsteps.\n\nThese women make up a significant portion of 1,300 businesses operating at the market, which sells everything from traditional Kelantanese food and textiles to household goods. Tourists flock to the market, with an estimated 2,000 to 3,000 visitors daily, drawn to the variety of goods and the engaging personalities of the traders.\n\nThe importance of women in trade traces back to historical circumstances where men were often away working in agriculture, collecting wood, or fishing, leaving women to support their households. This tradition has persisted through changing economic, technological, and social landscapes. Despite any modern upgrades to enhance the visitor experience, the market remains a beloved destination, with Fatimah declaring she is happiest running her stall at Siti Khadijah Market.",
  "summary": "Women make up more than 90 per cent of traders at Siti Khadijah Market, one of Kelantan’s best-known attractions.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}