Ugandan Women Quarry: Resilience and Dignity

A powerful photographic project named "HeadStrong" has brought to light the remarkable strength and dignity of women working in quarries in Gulu, Uganda. Photographer Dan Nelken and Ugandan author Beatrice Lamwaka collaborated to capture the stories and likenesses of these women.

The project focused on women who perform demanding physical labor, breaking rocks to fill jerrycans for a meager wage. Many of these women are sole breadwinners, supporting large families in challenging circumstances, with some working from a young age due to generational tradition.

Nelken aimed to portray a wide economic spectrum, from business owners to those at the bottom of the economic ladder. He sought to give the women agency in their own representation, allowing them to choose their poses and express their self-worth.

The portraits, often set against symbolic mosquito netting, highlight the women's resilience. Their narratives, gathered by Lamwaka, often touch upon the lingering trauma of civil war in Northern Uganda and their profound hopes for their children's futures.

Many of the 116 women photographed expressed great enthusiasm upon receiving prints, valuing the trust and recognition. The project, developed over multiple visits starting in 2017, aims to share a universal story of hope and aspiration.