Cinzia Canneri_Um Rakuba refugee camp, Gedaref, Sudan. 4 June 2021.
Girls laughing together during a moment of leisure. Each of them has experienced very harsh and traumatic events, but their young age has allowed them to retain their vitality, which is especially expressed when they are in a group. The relationship with peers who have shared the same traumatic experiences enables them to find coping resources for facing difficulties, which are essential for projecting a positive outlook toward the future. Furthermore, being together in a group also provides protection against violence and fosters the development of self-confidence, which is crucial for asserting their gender identity. The girls discover they have a collective strength that supports them in handling daily challenges and the traumas they’ve experienced, creating a network that brings relief and a sense of empowerment. In many cases, these girls not only support each other, but also positively influence the surrounding community, becoming models of resilience and change.
The people involved in the photo gave their consent for the publication of it after being informed of the purposes of the project in which it would be used.