© Peggy Kelsey
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The Afghan Women's Project

Peggy was inspired to begin the Afghan Women’s Project after meeting with a delegation of Afghan women who passed through Austin, Texas during the fall of 2002. The strength, humor and resiliency of these women was contrary to the media image of Afghan women as helpless victims. It inspired Peggy to create The Afghan Women's Project in order to share this side of Afghan women with western audiences. This project’s goal, seeking out wisdom and sources of strength from women who have experienced such repression and hardship, is one of the ways Peggy can merge her love of photography with her interest in human psychology as well as concretely benefit both Afghan women and the viewers.

Peggy traveled to Afghanistan in August and September of 2003, returning with photographs and interviews of 40 women. They are of various ages and come from differing social classes, ethnic groups and areas of the country. Currently, 21 of the women form an exhibit that also includes their biographies and excerpts from their interviews.

Use of this exhibit is available to organizations worldwide who wish raise awareness of and funds for Afghan Women. Additionally, Peggy offers two different slide shows, one featuring Afghanistan in general and her observations there, the other focusing on the lives and stories of individual women, half of whom are not included in the exhibit.
 

If you would like to receive more information about the Afghan Women’s Project or you would like to sponsor an event, email Peggy  or call 512-799-5915.