When Yvette's mother saw a photo of her daughter dressed as a fashion photographer — the 13-year-old's dream job — she beamed with pride. "That's the look of a mother anywhere in the world," Meredith Hutchison, the photographer behind the image, recalled. "The joy, the pride, the disbelief."
The reaction may have been about more than your typical display of maternal love. Yvette is one of the estimated 60 million forcibly displaced people in the world— half of whom are children. The photo shoot was part of a broader effort to help girls like her set — and realize — career goals.
Vision Not Victim, a new project from the International Rescue Committee, gives refugee girls from Syria and several other nations the chance to dress up as what they want to be when they grow up.
For Hutchison, IRC's program manager of women’s protection and empowerment, the end result is a powerful "a visual reminder" about how vulnerable women and girls are in this crisis. Throughout the process of seeking asylum and settling in a new home, they are at risk of street harassment, domestic violence, early marriage, and a lack of access to education, she says.
"[Vision Not Victim] is about creating a movement that works towards building a world where all girls get an education, all girls have equal access to healthcare, and good job opportunities," she said. "Where they're valued and supported to pursue their aspirations."
The photo series is just one part of a larger program that includes weeks, if not months, of mentoring and leadership building.
"If a girl wants to be a doctor, we coordinate with the local hospital. She gets a tour, gets to meet doctors, and she scrubs in and goes into an operating room," Hutchison explained.
After the photo shoot is over, the girls receive prints to show their friends and members of their community. The hope is that the images inspire other girls, encourage community leaders to support them in their goals, and serves as a reminder of how far they can go.
"The power and control in that moment is indicated in their faces," Hutchison said. "There's no hesitation, there's no fear. They are just larger than life. And not just playing pretend, but stepping into this moment and claiming it."
Ahead, inspiring photos and captions in which the girls share the vision behind each image, in their own words.
Mona, age 10
Vision: Future physician
"In this image, I am in the future and a well-respected physician at a major hospital in Syria. I am asking my patient about her pain, and helping her get better. I feel very fortunate to be where I am today. My mother was born and raised in a village and didn’t go to school, but as a young girl, I had the opportunity to learn and grow into a great doctor. People feel safe around me, they believe in me, and I use my skills and compassion to help many others."
Yvette, age 13
Vision: Future photographer
"In this picture, I am photographing a model for a fashion campaign. I love showing people their image—I love taking pictures of my friends and family and giving them a glimpse of how they appear, how others see them, how beautiful they may be."
Yvette’s Mother
Yvette’s mother reacts to seeing her daughter’s vision captured in a photograph. What followed were conversations about what it would take to support her daughter to achieve her dreams. The girls were each given copies of their photographs to share with family, friends, and their community, which challenged perceived norms about the potential, vision, and power of adolescent girls.
Jeanine, age 16
Vision: Future Minister of Defense and Human Rights
"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."
Haja, age 12
Vision: Future astronaut
"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."
Fatima, age 16
Vision: Future architect
"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."
Sifa, age 15
Vision: Future journalist
"In this image, I am reporting on several current events in South Kivu [in the Democratic Republic of the Congo] 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."
Amani, age 10
Vision: Future pilot
"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."
Sarah, age 15
Vision: Future fashion designer
"In the future I am a famous fashion designer — creating chic clothing for women that makes them feel elegant. I design normal daywear that combines rough and soft fabrics, as well as formal wear and wedding dresses. I love fashion because it is a way for everyone to express themselves, and when it is done right — your clothing should make you feel special, beautiful, and confident."
Charmante, age 12
Vision: Future teacher
"In this photograph, I see a woman who is teaching students — someone who shows great love towards her students and is concerned with each individual pupil. I worry that students won’t progress through school. Many of them start, but few continue onto secondary school. I want to help and encourage children to succeed."
Nebal, age 13
Vision: Future emergency doctor
"The moment I love most in my daily life as a doctor is when I arrive at the clinic and see rows of patients waiting to see me. To know that people trust me and that there are so many I may be able to help makes me feel like nothing else — it makes me feel so hopeful. I am currently based in Jordan, but I often go to places that are in conflict or crisis to provide medical care for those who are most in need. I also have my own clinic for refugees and those in poverty here in the north of Jordan."
Merwa, age 13
Vision: Future painter
"In this image, I am a popular painter, working on a landscape in oils. When I was younger, painting was a hobby — but as I grew older, I saw I had a great talent and went to art school. Now, I have my own gallery where I sell my paintings and sculptures. My hope is that my artwork inspires peace in the world and encourages people to be kind to one another."
Gladys, age 11
Vision: Future mechanic
“I think a mechanic’s job is really interesting because you get to understand how complex cars and trucks actually work. In Côte d'Ivoire, it is not often that you find a female mechanic, but I never let that prevent me from achieving my goal. Now that I am a mechanic, people from all over come to have me fix their vehicles, because they know I am the most knowledgeable. I like that I can take care of myself and help others.”
Nour, age 16
Vision: Future lawyer
"I want violence against women to end. I want women to be able to make decisions for the community, and say their opinion without fear. I want our society to open up and give space for women to be whoever they want to be. This is why I decided to become a lawyer. When I was younger, my mother told me I was courageous and truthful, and that I could be a great lawyer who fought injustice. I took her advice, and now am a respected lawyer working on women’s rights and defending women who are victims of domestic violence."
Fatima, age 11
Vision: Future policewoman
"I am a kind, yet serious policewoman, who is respected and a role model in the community. People are not afraid of me, but call me when they are in trouble. I teach them how to respect and love one another. I fight for justice. I help the innocent."
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