Women leading Manipur’s growth
May 29, 2025
29 May 2025, ANI, Ukhrul, Manipur: From market stalls to manufacturing units, women in Manipur are leading the charge. Among them is Catherine Soyamphi from Lungshang village in Ukhrul district, who turned the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic into an opportunity. While helping her parents on the farm, she noticed wild fruits and vegetables often went to waste — a realization that sparked her idea to better utilize local resources. After receiving formal training, she launched SOYAM, a food processing unit that now produces a wide range of locally crafted products with the help of her mother and a team of rural women. These small food processing units have created employment opportunities for local women, who are now proudly contributing to their family incomes. Catherine Soyamphi’s story is more than just a journey of entrepreneurship; it is a profound testament to her deep connection with her village, community, and traditions. She has shown that with the right mind set and unwavering determination, simple crafts like making pickles, chips, and jams can transform into not only a sustainable livelihood but also a powerful catalyst for social change. Her efforts are empowering local women and shining a national spotlight on the rich biodiversity of Manipur.
