We celebrate women at Tutapona...and around here we're surrounded by strong, powerful, resilient and hard working women every. single. day! The majority of the people in our programs are women and we find ourselves advocating for them daily. So today, on International Women's Day, we wanted to bring you 10 photos that celebrate Womanhood in all it's glorious beauty and strength. All Photos by the talented Tutapona volunteer @Candice Lassey! #internationalwomensday
Ayeeyo
When her Somali daughter fell pregnant to a Ugandan man, the community told her to stone her. Instead, she chose to love - and this is what love looks like.
(Ayeeyo from Somalia, and her grandson, Nakivale Refugee Camp)
Doreen
If only you could see what her eyes have seen and hear what her eyes have heard, you would get a glimpse into the courage and bravery behind her smile. Her past may be clouded with sorrow, but her future is bright with hope.
(Doreen from Burundi, 11 years old, Nakivale Refugee Settlement
Jjajja from Pageya
She's a pillar in her community - she's lived through civil wars and genocides and she's survived each one with courage and bravery.
(Jjajja from Pageya, 92 years old, Northern Uganda)
Mama from Burundi
She is covered in strength and dignity; she smiles at the prospect of her future.
(Mama from Burundi, Misyera District, Nakivale Refugee Camp)
Mama from Pageya
Bullet holes and knife wounds remain as a testament to her audacity - A reminder that strong women don't just survive, they thrive.
(Mama from Pageya, Northern Uganda)
Mama from DRCongo
True freedom takes courage. It takes boldness to free herself from her past and look fearlessly at her future.
And with freedom, comes joy.
(Mama from DRCongo, now in Rwamwanja Refugee Settlement)
Nayigiziki
She sits silently on her thin mattress, holding her newborn twins while her two year old tries to drink from the Jerry Can. She refused to give up when her husband was killed and she refuses to give up now.
(Nayigiziki and her three boys from Burundi, Reception Centre, Nakivale Refugee Settlement)
Nyogokuru
Nights spent hidden in jungles, days spent ploughing through forests. It was worth it for freedom. It was worth it for peace.
(Nyōgokuru from Burundi, now in Misyera, Nakivale Refugee Settlement)
Sifa
While the other children run and hide behind the houses, tents and trees, she firmly plants her feet, puts her shawl over her head and smiles for a picture.
(Sifa from Congo, 14 years old, Rwamwanja Refugee Settlement.)
Rose & Sophie
They'll do anything to make sure the refugees have the best chance at rehabilitation, even if that means they help to build a classroom!
(Rose & Sophie, Tutapona Staff Members at Nakivale Refugee Settlement)