Refugee women and girls are disproportionally affected by conflict and displacement. They face more risk of domestic and sexual assault and less access to jobs, education, and health care than their male counterparts. The more refugee communities I visit, the more women I meet, and the more women I get to work with, the more I see the ways in which women and girls are systematically undervalued. These images are of Burundian women in Mtendeli Refugee Camp. Each one graciously let me take their photo and capture a small glimpse into their daily life.
Patricia
"I have asthma so I just came from the hospital. i have not had any food to eat today. but you can take my picture." (photo: iACT
Francine
"I'm on my way home from the hospital. I have malaria and they have a cure for it. I use this umbrella to cover myself from the sun. (photo: iACT)
Sterine
"I have five children and a husband that I have to feed. Today, I am preparing vegetables and beans. (photo: iACT)
Divine and Angelica
Divine and Angelica are checking the board for job opportunities in Mtendeli Camp. Divine is 17 years old and is no longer in school. "I was married, so I gave up school. My husband told me to." Divine is no longer with her husband and she is trying to find a job. "There are very few job opportunities. It is very challenging to find. You need to know English or Swahili to work here." (photo: iACT)
Yowana
"Life is challenging in Mtendeli Camp. I've been here for two years. But I hope, little by little, it will get better." (photo: iACT)
Faida
Faida is 17 years old. "I am no longer in school. I let go of school many years ago when I come to this camp. (photo: iACT)
Theopiste
"Each day, I fetch water, search for ingredients, prepare food, and when I have soap, I wash clothing." (photo: iACT)