Maimana El Hassan, Sudan
“My work is inherently revolutionary given where I come from. I cannot separate it from the effort to rebuild my country, elevate the arts scene and create a safe and productive space for the next generation of artists.”
Maura Ajak, South Sudan
“I really hope my work reflects the diversity, love and passion which these women put into serving their communities despite the hardships.”
Leila Thiam, Central African Republic
“There are very few women photographers in my country so I take pride in it and I hope it inspires other women to do so as well.”
Samy Vasquez, Colombia
“One of the things that have inspired me the most in doing this work is to show the social commitment of women leaders in Colombia, including a woman who is in the reintegration process and who has given her work and time to help women.”
Kani Sissoko, Mali
“When I capture the faces and voices of these women I feel hope and pride. The hope that these women will achieve their goals and change the lives of other women.”
Ley Uwera, Democratic Republic of the Congo
“Through this work I want to show the courage and dynamism of women in fulfilling their well-being and promoting their rights.”
Hana Haza’a, Yemen
“Lately, Yemeni women have been playing a more visible role as pioneers of humanitarian, charity, social and political activism. But they deserve more. The role women play will not be what it should be unless they have reserved seats in decision making positions.”
Heba Naji, Yemen
“I like to think of myself as a creator of memories because I believe immortalizing joy is possible through images of our making. I can say I’m happy despite the difficulties I face because my work gives me strength and confidence in myself and in my ability to make an independent future for myself.”
Ola Mohsin, Sudan
“In 2015, I opened my own photography studio after finishing my studies. All my staff are deaf, like me, and it's working really well despite the challenges. Being a photographer, especially here in my home country, gives me a sense of purpose and makes me feel valued.”
Rawan Mazeh, Lebanon
“Through this work I'm passing on the message to the world that women can be in important positions and hopefully change perceptions of women in the Middle East. It is also urgent for people in my region to help women access decision-making positions and empower them to positively impact our societies.”
Deisy Tellez Giraldo, Colombia
“My love for photography started while I was with the FARC-EP: I liked to portray the faces of the guerrillas in their fatigues when we marched. And today I’m showing how we are contributing to the Peace Process and the construction of peace in Colombia.”