There is no word for single mother in the Pashto or Dari, the 2
major languages spoken in Afghanistan. Yet after 4 decades of
conflict, millions of women are raising children on their own.
These women are one of Afghanistan's most vulnerable
populations. Some have had to flee abusive spouses, others have
lost their husbands in combat or terrorist attacks and some
became pregnant before marriage and have been charged with
moral crimes. Widows in particular are seen as morally suspect or
symbols of bad luck; In a country where few women are literate or
have ever worked outside the home, many widows are forced into
remarriage and those who choose to remarry outside the family
risk losing custody of their children.
This is the tale of these single mothers told through photographs,
a humane story picture another side of life in a war torn country.
Awards Magenta Flash Forward Emerging Photographer (2016), Chris Hondros Fund Award (2016), TED 2016 Fellowship (2016), IWMF Reporting Fellowship - Congo/Rwanda (2015), Burn Magazine Emerging Photographer Fund, Honorable Mention (2014), PDN 30 Under 30 (2014), FotoVisura Spotlight Grant, Finalist (2013), Hearst 8x10 Biennale winner (2013), Reportage Emerging Talent (2012-13), The CIS Artist Residency, MIT University, Boston (2012), 66th CPOY, third place in International Picture Story (2011), National Geographic Award (2011), Eddie Adams Workshop, BarnStorm XXIV (2011)
