Laura Stanger Photography: '42' Women of Sierra Leone

An exhibition of 42 colour photographs by Lee Karen Stow. The title of the exhibition refers to the life expectancy of women in Sierra Leone, a showing figure which inspired Stow to embark on the project when she reached the same age. The images depict the women and their daily lives at home, at work and with their families.

During the project Stow turned 42 and looked at her life expectancy as a women living in the West being 82, nearly double that of women in Sierra Leone. Stow saw this as a violation of human rights, the right of every women everywhere to have the opportunity to lead a long, healthy and fulfilling life.

Whilst in Sierra Leon, Stow stayed with the women in their homes, living with them and making field trips, she also taught the women digital photography skills. Allowing the women to use photography either for creative expression, to advocate for change on an issue which affects them or to earn an income.

The project began as a two week workshop which has now been going on for over four years. Stow and the women are able to share skills in photography but also share skills from in life and experiences.

Here is a link to Lee Karen Stow, talking about the exhibition and the women in Sierra Leone that inspired it:

http://www.liverpoolmuseums.org.uk/ism/exhibitions/42/

This exhibition shocked me as I was ignorant to the life of women in Sierra Leone and rudely oblivious to the fact that the life expectancy of these women is only 42. Although Sierra Leone are taking positive steps to a country torn apart from a civil war that ended in 2002, many women still suffer from hardship and despair. This is evident from some of the photographs in the exhibition. Women do not have equal access to education, equal opportunities, health facilities or social freedom. Violence against women is common and female genital mutilation can result in infection and death. One in eight women die in pregnancy.

This exhibition questions the huge imbalance, and captures the inner strength, spirit and beauty of women who wake each morning with the belief that life really will get better. Although they suffer, the women do not let this get them down, remaining positive, full of life and happiness. This is shown from some photographs in the exhibition.