Struggling to Read

Najat Al-Suraihi, 18, has been married since she was 12 years old. She is a mother of a two-year old daughter, Zuhoor. Najat now has two dreams, to be divorced and to be a doctor. Unlike her friend who is currently working now as a clinic nurse, Najat still finds it difficult to read, as she left school in the first grade, due to coming from an impoverished family. Najat is the first born, and must assist in raising her six brothers and sisters, take care of house duties, and also help her father work on the on a grape orchard. Sitting in the kitchen in her father’s house, after leaving her husband’s house. All the problems swirl in her head: the inhumane treatment bad, leaving her without money, going to Saudi Arabia and also discovering that she was his second wife.This picture was taken in al-Jaahilia village (40 km from Sana’a). They have no water services and Najat must walk long distances to get water, three times a day. Her family is unable to have gas everyday, so she cooks the bread using wood. The dust filled kitchen may be in a bad condition, but there is a small window that lets in light, lets in hope.

Life is not always fair for me

Aziza*, 14, returns home from her daily trip to cut wood. Her family needs it to cook and keep warm.She is one of the lucky girls, as she is still able to going to school. Unfortunately, she can’t find time to study. Chopping would and hauling it back to her village is difficult for a woman and almost impossible for a little girl. As the sun sets after a very long day, Aziza take a small rest to think about her life. She turns her back to the sun and closes her eyes,bent over her ax. She takes a few breaths before her mates call for her to be hurry back, before it is dark.*Name has been changed.

Perfect relationship between God and person

In Sana’a, Yemen’s capital, a young girl, Huda Ahmed, lifts her palms to the sky. She realizes that those on earth can never truly help her. She surrenders, raising her gaze up towards God, the only one who has that power.

Ms. al-Sharif can be contacted by msmn82@yahoo.com