WOMEN: BATTLE AND GRACE

“The numerous paths I have followed these last 30 years have allowed me to meet children, men, and women whose unique destinies all left an impression on me.

Over the course of my many assignments, my camera and I often witnessed revolutions, wars of fratricide and ethnic hatred, on the front lines alongside the fighting men.

With my photographs, I told the stories of women, the first victims of these wars they did not choose. Women are present to the deafening sound of cannon fire, present in the suffering from the death of a son, or brother, or husband lost in combat, present still to the silent tears from those who flee. Women live and fight in constant suffering. But suffering does not defeat them, this pain adds to their dignity, their tenacity, their patience, which makes them the true fighters of evil in our world.

They exude a strong and moving inner beauty. I am close to each of them, close enough to sense their suffering and joy. With the universal language of photography, I try to recount their memories, their battles, their graces, taken in a tormented world.

For nearly 25 years, my profession of reporter has allowed me to cover, for long periods of time, women on their rise to power ... Benazir Bhutto, Corazon “Cory” Aquino, Winnie Mandela, Indira Gandhi ... as well as the anonymous fighters of Mespotamia, Afghan refugees driving their exodus caravans, or Rwandan mothers hunting for their lost children.

In order to ensure a better world, I am convinced that in the 21st century a balance must be struck for the sharing of responsibility between women and men in politics, particularly at the international level, like at the United Nations and the European Commission.

For the West, the priority must be on helping educate women and girls in emerging countries, so as to fill the gap between girls and boys, boys being the favored over girls when it comes to access to education.

Beyond borders, cultural diversity, and wars, my images do not record only the sadness of mutilated lives. They also try to show the smile behind the tears, the beauty behind the tragedy, the grace above the battle.

My photos are to honor all women.”

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