31 women with disabilities took part in a photography class and were given cameras to express their voices about the life around them. The truthful photos and the simple stories full of love, happiness and a thirst for life.
The photo exhibition STORIES AROUND ME is part of the project “Strengthening the participation and voice of women with disabilities through communications” organised by the Center for Research and Action for Inclusive Development (IDEA), with special support from the US Embassy in Viet Nam. The programme has been implemented since December 2013 in two provinces, Thai Nguyen and Thanh Hoa. 31 women with disabilities in these two localities were given cameras and attended photography training sessions led directly by teacher and artist Bui Dang Thanh. They were equipped with basic photography knowledge and taught how to use a camera, compose a photo, and express stories about themselves, about people with disabilities and about the surrounding community… After that, the learners were supported with digital cameras to practise on individual and group themes.
The result is 31 sets of photos corresponding to 31 stories told in images, simple and moving, which have just been exhibited at the Vietnamese Women’s Museum. Each photo is a story, expressing the sympathetic view of those involved about their simple aspirations. Many photos capture affection within the family, among friends and neighbours, and moments in the daily work and life of people with disabilities. Nguyen Thi Hien (Nam Dong, Tan Cuong, Thai Nguyen) took photos of the daily life of a member of the city Association of People with Disabilities. “Although he has a disability, The always overcomes difficulties to live happily and meaningfully. Sitting in a wheelchair, he still helps his mother look after the tea hills and pick tea every day. This is the main livelihood of mother and son. In addition, The looks after a few children for neighbouring families with few people at home, so their parents can go to work with peace of mind.” Nguyen Thi Loi (Nong Cong, Thanh Hoa) likes photographing a friend she admires. “Although she was born with brittle bones and faces many difficulties in daily life and work, she has overcome people’s unfriendly, discriminatory looks to prove her ability and determination. I am truly grateful to the project for giving us more knowledge and skills and the chance to share our stories.”
Photography artist Bui Dang Thanh, who directly guided the learners, shared that the photo stories of women with disabilities may not yet be technically perfect, but they are truthful feelings and simple stories full of love, happiness and a thirst for life. They have overcome the barriers of society and of themselves to capture vivid moments of life and tell their own stories so that everyone can understand, respect and love them more.
These photo sets show the strong determination of women with disabilities to rise above social prejudice. Despite difficult circumstances, barriers and prejudice, women with disabilities always look at life with trust and optimism; through this they help change the community’s awareness and view of the abilities of people with disabilities, especially women and girls with disabilities. Nguyen Hong Oanh, Director of the Center for Research and Action for Inclusive Development (IDEA), believes that after this exhibition, people will empathise and understand more, believe in the abilities of women with disabilities and take concrete actions to help them feel confident and integrate equally into community activities.
Thanh Yen – Bao Dai bieu nhan dan