From shadow into light: Tackling gender violence through photography

As part of the international campaign “16 Days of Activism Against Gender Violence,” Oxfam in Mali, Wildaf – a local partner – and International Medical Corps launched an exhibition in Bamako, Gao and Timbuktu, entitled “From shadow into light”.

This series of stunning photographs by Vincent Tremeau, Media and communication officer for Oxfam in Mali, features portraits of women, opinion leaders, and children with a focus on gender based violence and peace promotion.

One of the features of gender-based violence, and sexual violence in particular, is the lack of complaint. Violent acts evoke shame and guilt, often leading to a stigmatization of victims, and rejection by the family or community.

Some women took the initiative to fight by sharing their stories. They chose to stay into the shadow, becoming for an instant active and proud agents of their own history. Standing at their sides, current leaders engaged in the fight against violence, and those of tomorrow, are the spokespersons of these sufferings to bring them into light, find solutions and promote a message of peace.

“From shadow into light” will be shown in various sites across Bamako, Gao and Timbuktu, in December.

Photos: Vincent Tremeau/Oxfam

This blog originally appeared at blogs.oxfam.org