Of the 4.5 million registered Syrian refugees, half are women, many under the age of 17. In a partnership between the International Rescue Committee (IRC) and photographer Meredith Hutchison, young refugee girls are taking part in a program called “Vision Not A Victim” where girls are able to work with mentors in a profession of their interest.
Photographer Meredith Hutchison arranges a photo-shoot with the girls literally dressed up in the profession that they want to grow up to be. The photos capturing the girls’ goals with the hopes of having long-lasting affects and ultimate realities. “Whenever possible, we try to go to the real locations so the girls can meet professional mentors and see what it looks like and feels like to embody that profession,” says Hutchison.
“Fatima’s was one of my most favorite photo-shoots,” the photographer continues. “From the moment we stepped foot on the hospital campus, and she put on that white jacket, she insisted that everyone call her Dr. Fatima. … So we’d walk through the halls and she’d introduce herself and say ‘Hi, I’m Dr. Fatima. How are you feeling today?'”
