What I Want to Be When I Grow Up: Refugee Girls in Photos
These daring young ladies dream big despite the tragic circumstances that surround them.
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Syria has been in the grips of civil war since 2011.
While many have found refuge in the West, there are still those who remain in the war-torn region.
The war has affected more than 4.5 million in the country ever since the fighting began, according to data released by the UN’s High Commissioner for Refugees. More than 50 percent of those registered are female, who face harassment and exploitation. Often they are denied basic education.
But the young Syrian refugee girls in Jordan have aspirations like any ordinary young child, regardless of their circumstances.
The International Rescue Committee’s Vision not Victim program helps provide these girls skills and support they need to build a better future.
The program’s founder, Meredith Hutchison captured their aspirations in this photoshoot:
I am examining an x-ray of a patient to see what is causing the pain in her chest. At this point in my life I am a well-respected surgeon in the region. I treat many patients, but the patient I care most about – the one that drove me to be a doctor – is my father, who has lots of medical issues. To be able to help my father, this makes me feel strong, powerful, and capable,” says Fatima.
“Ever since we studied the solar system in primary school, I have wanted to be an astronaut. I would imagine myself up in the sky discovering new things. I love being an astronaut because it lets me see the world from a new angle. In this society my path was not easy – many people told me a girl can’t become an astronaut. Now that I have achieved my goals, I would tell young girls with aspirations to not be afraid, to talk to their parents about what they want and why, to always be confident and know where you want to go,” says Haja.
“I love planes. Even before I had ever been on a plane, I knew I wanted to be a pilot. Flying is adventurous and exciting. When I was younger, my brother always told me that a girl can’t be a pilot, but I knew deep down this is what I wanted to do. I finished my studies and found a way to get to flight school. Now, not only do I get to live my dream, but I also get to help people travel, to see the world, and discover new places,” says Amani.
“It is the early morning and I am waiting in my classroom for my students to arrive. I teach younger children to read and write Arabic. I am a very compassionate and kind person, and so a perfect teacher. I am strict, but I go out of my way to gently help those students who are having difficulties,” says Fatima.
“Since I was a young girl, I loved taking people’s photographs. I loved going to different events and documenting what was happening—both the good and bad. Now, as a professional photographer, I use my images to inspire hope in others - to encourage love and understanding,” says Muntaha.
“Walking down the street as a young girl in Syria or Jordan, I encountered many people suffering – sick or injured – and I always wanted to have the power and skills to help them. Now, as a great physician in my community, I have that ability. Easing someone’s pain is the most rewarding aspect of my job. To be able to give them relief and make them smile – this is what I love most,” says Rama.
“I’ve always wanted to be an architect. Yet, when I was young people told me that this is not something a woman could achieve, and they encouraged me to pursue a more ‘feminine’ profession. But I dreamt constantly of making beautiful homes for families, and designing buildings that bring people joy. Now that I’ve reached my vision, I hope I am a model for other girls—showing them that you should never give up on your dream - no matter what others say,” says Fatima.
Read more about the girls and Vision Not Victim here.
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