Khadija Cheikhna
Nouakchott — The Divorced Women’s Market in Mauritania’s capital stands as a unique model of a feminist solidarity economy. It emerged in the 1980s as a quiet response to deep social changes — most notably, the rising divorce rates and the growing fragility of women’s living conditions.

In the heart of Nouakchott, the market thrives as a one-of-a-kind space in both Africa and the Middle East. Established in the mid-1980s, it became an economic and social refuge for women — particularly divorced ones — who found in it a chance to rebuild their lives after separation.

Previously known as the Mercy Market (Souq Al-Rahma), it has evolved into a women-only hub for selling used furniture, utensils, and clothing at affordable prices, attracting both local customers and tourists.

Women Building Their Own Economy
Fatima bint Al-Mukhtar, one of the vendors, says this market granted her both financial independence and the means to meet her daily needs:
“Here, we don’t need large capital. We share and cooperate — divorced and married women alike. We create opportunities and earn income without complications. What makes this market special is that it’s a simple business that doesn’t require much investment.”

Aisha Bilal joined the market after her divorce to support her children’s education, while Mariem Ahmed explains that her lack of capital prevented her from opening a shop, so she found in the market an opportunity to sell her used items and earn income with little to no cost.

The market isn’t exclusive to divorced women — it brings together women from all walks of life: those without higher education and others with degrees but no access to office jobs. It serves as a free or semi-free alternative space that enables women to engage in trade away from social restrictions and bureaucratic hurdles.

The market got its name because many divorced women frequent it to sell furniture left from their former marital homes. Mauritania has one of the highest divorce rates in Africa, and divorced women often refuse to return to their family homes, choosing instead to work and depend on themselves.

A Growing Phenomenon and Its Social Impact
Mauritania records one of the highest divorce rates in the Arab world — over 31% of marriages end in separation, with 60% of divorces occurring within the first five years. This phenomenon, rooted in cultural and economic factors, leaves deep impacts on women and children, particularly in the absence of institutional support networks.

Divorced women, often rejected from returning to their family homes, are forced to rely on themselves. As a result, the Divorced Women’s Market becomes more than a marketplace — it is a space for survival and rebirth.

According to local customs, divorced women keep the furniture from their former marital homes, making the market a natural destination to sell these items and transform memories of the past into a source of income.

What distinguishes the Divorced Women’s Market is not only its economic nature but also its role as a network of female solidarity — where women share experiences, support each other, and face challenges together. It is a miniature model of a feminist social economy, redefining the notions of work, survival, and dignity within a fragile social and economic landscape.