The 2nd Annual Women’s Global Empowerment Fund Drama Competition was held on September 26th, 2009 in Gulu Uganda. We arrived at the schoolyard to find it swarming with vivid color Tee’s and hand made costumes worn by beautiful women from age 18- 80. The event was created by WGEF’s Executive Director Karen Sugar to give a platform for women to share their struggles, experiences and voices through drama, song, and dance. Upon arrival I was greeted by women with huge smiles who were excited about the opportunity to perform. My eyes filled with tears as they adorned me with a wonderful sense of welcome and in that, I realized that my life long dream had come true. For 8 hours I photographed women sharing their stories of violence, lack of education, raising a family, the LRA, and the difficulties in starting a business as a woman. Multitudes of children sat and watched attentively throughout the day as they watched their grandmothers/mothers/sisters/aunts and the like share their voice. It was the most incredible event I’ve seen to date. Though they mostly performed and spoke in their native tongue of Lugandan, I felt their passion and experiences transcended my language barrier. (Well that, and I had Kenneth as my translator for part of the event.) So without further adieu, here are some of my favorite shots from the day. You can view the entire gallery and have the option of purchasing prints by clicking here.
1st, 2nd, and 3rd place got their own goats.
First place, the coveted cow.
Meet Grace. I was able to do a one on one interview with Grace at her restaurant and home. More photos + her story to come soon.
The faithful audience, totally engaged.
Re-enactments of a Father trying to keep his daughter from getting an education.
Meet Yolanda. Another woman in WGEF’s microfinance program that I got the privilege of doing a private interview with. Photos coming soon in a later blog.
An axe. One of the props used to tell of their experiences with the Lord’s Resistance Army.
This woman made a brilliant sound that I’ve never heard before by doing this with her hands. I think its a familiar calling sound in their tribe.
Go on, shake yo’ tailfeather! Man, we had a great time when these ladies performed!
The Winners are…. the black tee team!
Ahhh the glory of Victory.
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