LAURA BOUSHNAK, PALESTINE
YEMEN: I READ, I WRITE
There is a Yemeni saying that goes: A girl only leaves her house twice – when she marries and when she dies. To be born as a girl in Yemen means having a slim chance of visiting a public school and learning how to read and write. According to UNICEF, one in three Yemeni girls is married before turning 18.

© Laura Boushnak/Rawiya Collective
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Tribal traditions are strong in Yemen – as is the belief that it’s easier to turn a young bride into an obedient wife. Such opinions are also the result of the widespread poverty that is characteristic of Yemeni society, particularly in rural areas. 42 % of the population live below the poverty line, 18 % in total poverty. As a result, girls have to overcome many obstacles on their way to education and a self-determined life.
The project of Palestinian photographer Laura Boushnak documents the first little taste of freedom for young Yemeni schoolgirls.
Curriculum Vitae: Laura Boushnak (Rawiya Collective)
