Category

Documentary

Location

Afghanistan (exact location not disclosed to protect girl's identity)

Gear

Sony A74 and 24mm 1.4GM lens

Description

Aziza*, a vicitm of child marriage, contemplates her future in a building in Afghanistan. Since the Taliban came to power in 2021, there's been a significant deterioration in women's rights. The group has introduced a number of edicts including banning girls from attending secondary schools. Many have been forced into early marriage. I came across Aziza*, sitting on a staircase in an unfinished building, as part of a project documenting Afghan children whilst on assignment with UNICEF. My motive for taking the photo is best explained by Aziza* herself: "Because of illiteracy, people marry their girls off early. That’s what happened to me. My dreams are now shattered and I won’t achieve the things I'd hoped for. Something needs to be done - by some miracle I hope I get my rights, go out, work and become independent. I hope no other girl has to go through this". Aziza is not her real name and is used to protect her identity. Taken on assignment for UNICEF.

Photographer

Mark Naftalin

Social Media

Website: www.vnfilms.co.uk

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