These Photoshoots Of Girls In Their Dream Careers Are Beautifully Inspiring
"It wasn't just about playing pretend, it was something more; they were stepping into a moment in their future."
Photographer Meredith Hutchinson visited girls in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Syrian refugees living in Jordan to ask them this question, and to give them the opportunity to access the possibilities of their futures in a photo shoot.
"In this image I am reporting on several current events in South Kivu for the national radio station, for which I am the Deputy Director. Every day I get to share news, facts, information and the stories of those people I meet with the world. I want to change the issues we talk about it."
"In this image, 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."
"My goal is to become Minister of Defense and Human Rights and lead the country in easing the pain of its citizens - to create a nation that is peaceful and developed. Here I am explaining a plan I have drafted to help victims of violence to my cabinet. This woman in the image - me, she has already helped many people and she is the hope of the Congo."
This inspiring 16-year-old is describing a position that doesn't even exist in the Congo yet, don't stop until you get there, Jeanine!
"No one had ever asked them what they wanted to be when they grow up. [And when they were asked] all of them wanted to do things to help other people and to help their communities grow."
Hutchinson explained.
Future policewoman: Malack, 16
“I’ve always wanted to be a policewoman because the police not only keep people safe, but they also create justice in society. Everyday I wake up, go to the station, and then head out into the city to see where I can help. I also work to inspire other young girls to become policewomen – supporting them to dream about their future and thinking about how they will overcome obstacles.”
"A while ago, there was a woman in my neighborhood that had to have a c-section. I wanted to be able to help her and other women like her. It was at that moment I decided I was going to become a surgeon. In this image, I look back on my journey here and remember that I once doubted and feared that I would never achieve my goals - but I grew to understand I can be who I want to be."
“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.”
"They didn't know if they were allowed to want to be these things or dream of these things; they'd never seen anyone do it, they'd never seen a woman do it."
Aisha Bain, the IRC Advocacy Adviser on Women's Protection and Empowerment in the DRC discussed in an interview.
"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."
“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.”
Hutchinson described this look of pure pride, joy and hope in this mother's smile when seeing the dreams her daugher had for her future.