This project began in 2017, driven by my motivation to explore and address gender issues in areas marked by the colonial legacy of my country, where women endured both colonial and patriarchal violence.
Initially, the aim was to document Eritrean women fleeing one of the most repressive regimes in the world and seeking refuge in Ethiopia. Following the Ethiopian federal army’s invasion of Tigray in November 2020, with support from the Eritrean military and Amhara militia, the scope broadened to include Tigrayan women joining Eritrean women in their flight from northern Ethiopia to refugee camps in Addis Ababa or Sudan.
This work analyzed the conditions of Eritrean and Tigrayan women crossing the borders of three geopolitically interconnected countries: Eritrea, Ethiopia, and Sudan.
Jointly considering Tigrayan and Eritrean women’s life stories represents a fundamental focus of the work, as the violation of their rights, especially during the war in Tigray, has neither been analyzed nor denounced, including the use of sexual violence as a weapon of war against women of both ethnicities.
Road from Asmara to Massawa, Eritrea. 23 March 2019.
An Eritrean girl walking along the railway that connects Eritrea with Ethiopia.
The majority of children in Eritrea grow up without the protection of parents who either have emigrated or are serving indefinitely in the military in unknown locations. As a result, young children develop a strong urge to leave their country in search of a new life.
An Eritrean girl walking along the railway that connects Eritrea with Ethiopia.
The majority of children in Eritrea grow up without the protection of parents who either have emigrated or are serving indefinitely in the military in unknown locations. As a result, young children develop a strong urge to leave their country in search of a new life.
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. 31 October 2017.
Yohanna (22) was shot by the Eritrean police at the Shambuko (Eritrea) border and woke up in a hospital in Ethiopia where she learned that one of her kidneys had been removed.
Yohanna (22) was shot by the Eritrean police at the Shambuko (Eritrea) border and woke up in a hospital in Ethiopia where she learned that one of her kidneys had been removed.
Kassala, Sudan. 12 June 2021.
A stillborn baby, whose refugee mother arrived at the clinic in critical condition; fortunately, she survived. Many refugee and migrant women face economic, financial, and social difficulties that can interfere with prenatal care.
A stillborn baby, whose refugee mother arrived at the clinic in critical condition; fortunately, she survived. Many refugee and migrant women face economic, financial, and social difficulties that can interfere with prenatal care.
Refugee camp in Sheraro, Tigray, Ethiopia. 21 December, 2023.
Schoolchildren playing with well water after school. Schools have re-opened, albeit in a limited way, with the end of the war, offering the children increased socialization.
Schoolchildren playing with well water after school. Schools have re-opened, albeit in a limited way, with the end of the war, offering the children increased socialization.
Korkor Mountain, Tigray, Ethiopia. 5 April 2024.
A woman is taking her doughter to the blessing of the monk who lives in the cave church of Saint Mary De Armenis, which is located on the top of the mountain.
A woman is taking her doughter to the blessing of the monk who lives in the cave church of Saint Mary De Armenis, which is located on the top of the mountain.
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. 30 November 2022.
Zayid (23), Eritrean, showing the scar from a bullet fired by Amhara soldiers. During the shooting, Zayid's sister was seriously injured and is still missing.
Zayid is a fake name.
Zayid (23), Eritrean, showing the scar from a bullet fired by Amhara soldiers. During the shooting, Zayid's sister was seriously injured and is still missing.
Zayid is a fake name.
Regat (37). Axum, Ethiopia. 4 April 2019.
Reagat grew up in Eritrea and she escaped to Ethiopia in 2010.
She says “I left Eritrea also in order to help my family with its deep economic troubles, but I can't see a future ahead.”
Reagat grew up in Eritrea and she escaped to Ethiopia in 2010.
She says “I left Eritrea also in order to help my family with its deep economic troubles, but I can't see a future ahead.”
The Tekezé river, Humera border, Ethiopia. 2 April 2019.
Some Ethiopian women illegally crossing the river to reach Sudan.
The Tekezé river connects Sudan, Ethiopia and Eritrea. After the peace between Eritrea and Ethiopia in 2018, the Humera border was opened allowing Ethiopians to head to Eritrea but not - except very briefly - for Eritreans to head to Ethiopia.
Some Ethiopian women illegally crossing the river to reach Sudan.
The Tekezé river connects Sudan, Ethiopia and Eritrea. After the peace between Eritrea and Ethiopia in 2018, the Humera border was opened allowing Ethiopians to head to Eritrea but not - except very briefly - for Eritreans to head to Ethiopia.
Seleklaka, Tigray, Ethiopia. 21 December 21, 2023.
Tigrayan women mourning the death of a young man, Goitom Guesh Gebreselassie (27). He died during the war on 16 January, 2021, but his death was officially confirmed by the Tigrayan government after almost three years.
Tigrayan women mourning the death of a young man, Goitom Guesh Gebreselassie (27). He died during the war on 16 January, 2021, but his death was officially confirmed by the Tigrayan government after almost three years.
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. 3 December 2022.
An Eritrean woman praying in the shack where she lives. Eritrean women are generally religious and find comfort in prayer.
An Eritrean woman praying in the shack where she lives. Eritrean women are generally religious and find comfort in prayer.
Um Rakuba refugee camp, Gedaref, Sudan. 4 June 2021.
A group of Tigrayan unaccompanied underage girls joking with each other. These girls fled the conflict in Tigray and arrived alone in Sudan. Only one of these girls has received news from her family; the others do not know if any family member is still alive.
A group of Tigrayan unaccompanied underage girls joking with each other. These girls fled the conflict in Tigray and arrived alone in Sudan. Only one of these girls has received news from her family; the others do not know if any family member is still alive.
Um Rakuba refugee camp, Gedaref, Sudan. 15 June 2021.
A Tigrayan woman holding a religious pendant belonging to her husband who went missing during the conflict in Tigray.
She says “It is the only thing left of my past life”.
A Tigrayan woman holding a religious pendant belonging to her husband who went missing during the conflict in Tigray.
She says “It is the only thing left of my past life”.
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. 6 December 2022.
Eritrean women on the outskirts of Addis Ababa. One of them gave birth a few days ago and is carrying the baby under the blanket.
Each of these women faces challenges brought on by the war.
Eritrean women on the outskirts of Addis Ababa. One of them gave birth a few days ago and is carrying the baby under the blanket.
Each of these women faces challenges brought on by the war.
Axum, Ethiopia. 4 April 2019.
Refugee women often leave the camps for urban centers where they live in the same building and attempt to create a community and help each other. Communal living also helps protect them against gender-based violence of which these women are often victims.
Refugee women often leave the camps for urban centers where they live in the same building and attempt to create a community and help each other. Communal living also helps protect them against gender-based violence of which these women are often victims.
Adigrat, Tigray, Ethiopia. 28 December 2023.
A group of Tigrayan rape victims attending a lesson on small agricultural entrepreneurship. The encounter was organized by the Hiwyet Charity Association, a Tigrayan organization funded entirely by donations, which offers psychological, spiritual and economical guidance for Tigrayan rape victims.
A group of Tigrayan rape victims attending a lesson on small agricultural entrepreneurship. The encounter was organized by the Hiwyet Charity Association, a Tigrayan organization funded entirely by donations, which offers psychological, spiritual and economical guidance for Tigrayan rape victims.
Martyr's Memorial Monument Museum, Mekelle, Tigray, Ethiopia. 25 December 2023.
Objects belonging to Tigrayan women who were raped inside the Martyr's Memorial Monument Museum are on display to the public. When war broke out in 2020 the museum was pillaged by Ethiopian government forces to cancel that memory, and was turned into a prison where Tigrayan women were repeatedly raped and tortured.
Objects belonging to Tigrayan women who were raped inside the Martyr's Memorial Monument Museum are on display to the public. When war broke out in 2020 the museum was pillaged by Ethiopian government forces to cancel that memory, and was turned into a prison where Tigrayan women were repeatedly raped and tortured.
Axum, Tigray, Ethiopia. 4 April 2019.
Hellen (22) showing the scars caused by a bullet shot during a military exercise in Eritrea. The incident was reported as accidental, but since it occurred after the Eritrean police stopped Hellen during her attempt to escape to Ethiopia, it is highly likely that the shot was intentional and intended as a punitive act.
Hellen (22) showing the scars caused by a bullet shot during a military exercise in Eritrea. The incident was reported as accidental, but since it occurred after the Eritrean police stopped Hellen during her attempt to escape to Ethiopia, it is highly likely that the shot was intentional and intended as a punitive act.
Adigrat, Tigray, Ethiopia. 12 December 2023.
Tsige (39) and her daughter (5), Tigrayans, hug each other.
Tsige was raped by three Eritrean soldiers in Zalambesa when the war began. A few months after the Pretoria Peace Agreement (November 2022), her 5-year-old daughter was raped by an Eritrean soldier. Tsige is a fake name.
Tsige (39) and her daughter (5), Tigrayans, hug each other.
Tsige was raped by three Eritrean soldiers in Zalambesa when the war began. A few months after the Pretoria Peace Agreement (November 2022), her 5-year-old daughter was raped by an Eritrean soldier. Tsige is a fake name.
Dar El Salaam, Sudan. May 30, 2021.
Multi-purpose center for the promotion of women’s and children’s health services which accept refugee women. The offer of care for women and children is scarce, especially for refugee women.
Multi-purpose center for the promotion of women’s and children’s health services which accept refugee women. The offer of care for women and children is scarce, especially for refugee women.
Adi Shumdhun Healther Center, Mekelle, Tigray, Ethiopia. 12 December 2023.
Tigrayan women gather together to sew and the older women teach the younger ones the ancient weaving techniques. The group also welcomes women who suffered sexual violence during the war in Tigray. None of the identifiable women in the picture are victims of sexual violence.
Tigrayan women gather together to sew and the older women teach the younger ones the ancient weaving techniques. The group also welcomes women who suffered sexual violence during the war in Tigray. None of the identifiable women in the picture are victims of sexual violence.
Addis Ababa − Ethiopia. 6 November 2017.
Rita (39) is an Eritrean refugee escaped dictatorship with her daughter, son and husband. She shows some objects which once belonging to her daughter Elena, who died when she was 7 years old while crossing the border between Eritrea and Ethiopia in 2016. Elena had a congenital liver disease which did not allow her to survive the journey. She was buried along the migration route, in a place that has no connection with her family.
Rita says she would like to live where her daughter is buried, that “having moved away from my daughter’s body means having lost her a second time”.
Rita (39) is an Eritrean refugee escaped dictatorship with her daughter, son and husband. She shows some objects which once belonging to her daughter Elena, who died when she was 7 years old while crossing the border between Eritrea and Ethiopia in 2016. Elena had a congenital liver disease which did not allow her to survive the journey. She was buried along the migration route, in a place that has no connection with her family.
Rita says she would like to live where her daughter is buried, that “having moved away from my daughter’s body means having lost her a second time”.
Shire, Tigray, Ethiopia. 10 April 2024.
Yangus (24) giving drink to her son (2). She lost her left arm during the bombings when the war broke out. At that time, she was three months pregnant. When the child was born, her husband left her. Today, she and her son live in an IDP (Internally Displaced Persons) camp.
Yangus (24) giving drink to her son (2). She lost her left arm during the bombings when the war broke out. At that time, she was three months pregnant. When the child was born, her husband left her. Today, she and her son live in an IDP (Internally Displaced Persons) camp.
Shelter, Khartoum, Sudan. 22 May 2021.
Unmarried Sudanese and refugee women living in a shelter with their children.
In Sudan, having children out of wedlock is not only a serious crime resulting in imprisonment but also a terrible stigma, even if the child was conceived by rape.
Unmarried Sudanese and refugee women living in a shelter with their children.
In Sudan, having children out of wedlock is not only a serious crime resulting in imprisonment but also a terrible stigma, even if the child was conceived by rape.
Military camp in Neblet, Tigray, Ethiopia. 7 April 2024.
Female soldiers cheer for the strength of the Tigray people. Marhawit (21), in the center of the photo, is the leader of the group of female soldiers, urging them to feel strength and self-confidence in their mission to liberate the Tigrayan people. Leaders play a very important role not so much in military training, but in emotionally supporting their fellow soldiers.
Female soldiers cheer for the strength of the Tigray people. Marhawit (21), in the center of the photo, is the leader of the group of female soldiers, urging them to feel strength and self-confidence in their mission to liberate the Tigrayan people. Leaders play a very important role not so much in military training, but in emotionally supporting their fellow soldiers.
Military camp in Axum, Tigray, Ethiopia. 12 april 2024.
Tigrayan army girls on a military observation post.
This camp is located next to the airport that was destroyed during the war. On November 28, 2020, a massacre occurred in Axum at the hands of Eritrean soldiers, resulting in around 1,000 deaths and hundreds of women being raped.
Tigrayan army girls on a military observation post.
This camp is located next to the airport that was destroyed during the war. On November 28, 2020, a massacre occurred in Axum at the hands of Eritrean soldiers, resulting in around 1,000 deaths and hundreds of women being raped.
Military camp in Tzada Medri, Tigray, Ethiopia. 15 April 2024.
A group of Tigrayan female soldiers engaged in a military exercise near the Eritrean border. Many of these girls joined the army amidst the brutal conflict, driven not only by the desire to defend their homeland but also by the need to protect themselves from the violence and atrocities surrounding them.
A group of Tigrayan female soldiers engaged in a military exercise near the Eritrean border. Many of these girls joined the army amidst the brutal conflict, driven not only by the desire to defend their homeland but also by the need to protect themselves from the violence and atrocities surrounding them.
Neblet, Tigray, Ethiopia. 13 April 2024.
Tigrayan army girls with young girls from a farming family that hosts them. Due to the lack of financial resources to support the soldiers' residence, the TPLF military force relies on the local community for hospitality.
Tigrayan army girls with young girls from a farming family that hosts them. Due to the lack of financial resources to support the soldiers' residence, the TPLF military force relies on the local community for hospitality.
Asmara, Eritrea. 22 March 2019.
An Eritrean woman on the outskirts of the city.
Entering Asmara, a peaceful atmosphere reigns: streets are clean, the Italian architecture gives the city a European flavor, and police are nowhere in sight.
Everything seems in strong contrast to the stories of migrants fleeing this country. The espionage network is so widespread that it does not need policemen on the street and the prisons are hidden holes within the city.
An Eritrean woman on the outskirts of the city.
Entering Asmara, a peaceful atmosphere reigns: streets are clean, the Italian architecture gives the city a European flavor, and police are nowhere in sight.
Everything seems in strong contrast to the stories of migrants fleeing this country. The espionage network is so widespread that it does not need policemen on the street and the prisons are hidden holes within the city.
Refugee camp in Shire, Tigray, Ethiopia. 26 March 2024.
Tigrayan girls who have been living together since the war. Despite the immense challenges they face, especially the younger girls, they dedicate a significant amount of time to self-care. Taking care of their well-being is vital to maintaining both physical and emotional health during times of hardship.
Tigrayan girls who have been living together since the war. Despite the immense challenges they face, especially the younger girls, they dedicate a significant amount of time to self-care. Taking care of their well-being is vital to maintaining both physical and emotional health during times of hardship.
Refugee camp in Sheraro refuge, Tigray, Ethiopia. 22 December 2023.
Zhaynesh (38) and Salem (40) present the data from a census they conducted on victims of sexual violence during the war in Tigray. Since the Ethiopian and Eritrean governments deny the sexual violence perpetrated, the women have started collecting data on their own. Zhaynesh tells me, "It is not right to mask the truth that has cost us our lives. We want justice, and we do not want to be ashamed of what we have endured". Zhaynesh and Salem are fake names.
Zhaynesh (38) and Salem (40) present the data from a census they conducted on victims of sexual violence during the war in Tigray. Since the Ethiopian and Eritrean governments deny the sexual violence perpetrated, the women have started collecting data on their own. Zhaynesh tells me, "It is not right to mask the truth that has cost us our lives. We want justice, and we do not want to be ashamed of what we have endured". Zhaynesh and Salem are fake names.
Refugee camp in Adwa, Tigray, Ethiopia. 23 December 2023.
Zara (38) and her daughter( 11), Tigrayans.
Zara shields the identity of her daughter who shows a scar on the stomach.
On 28 December 2028, during the war in Tigray, they were at home when four Eritrean soldiers and one Ethiopian federal government soldier arrived.
The soldiers raped Zara and threw a pot of boiling water at her daughter to silence her screams.
Zara is a fake name.
Zara (38) and her daughter( 11), Tigrayans.
Zara shields the identity of her daughter who shows a scar on the stomach.
On 28 December 2028, during the war in Tigray, they were at home when four Eritrean soldiers and one Ethiopian federal government soldier arrived.
The soldiers raped Zara and threw a pot of boiling water at her daughter to silence her screams.
Zara is a fake name.
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. 3 December 2022.
Merhawit (31), Eritrean, ran away from Tigray to Addis Abeba when the war broke out.
With her three children, husband and brother she fled towards the Amhara region. At the time, she was a few months pregnant with her youngest child who was then born in Addis Ababa.
Soldiers captured her husband and brother during this flight; she still doesn’t know what happened to them.
Merhawit (31), Eritrean, ran away from Tigray to Addis Abeba when the war broke out.
With her three children, husband and brother she fled towards the Amhara region. At the time, she was a few months pregnant with her youngest child who was then born in Addis Ababa.
Soldiers captured her husband and brother during this flight; she still doesn’t know what happened to them.
Adwa,Tigray, Ethiopia. 20 December 2023.
Tigrayan women working the land. The war in Tigray has significantly increased the rate of women alone. In response, many women have organized themselves, discovering new forms of autonomy and actively engaging in small-scale entrepreneurship. These initiatives include farming, selling produce, and creating handicrafts, allowing them to support their families and contribute to their communities.
Tigrayan women working the land. The war in Tigray has significantly increased the rate of women alone. In response, many women have organized themselves, discovering new forms of autonomy and actively engaging in small-scale entrepreneurship. These initiatives include farming, selling produce, and creating handicrafts, allowing them to support their families and contribute to their communities.
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. 6 November 2017.
An Eritrean baby in the living room his parents share with other refugee families.
"I want my son to be free one day. Free to choose his own future, like your children," says Mesele's father. Mesele is a fake name.
An Eritrean baby in the living room his parents share with other refugee families.
"I want my son to be free one day. Free to choose his own future, like your children," says Mesele's father. Mesele is a fake name.
