First prize: Sourav Karmakar

© Sourav Karmakar

We the “Sheroes”

Sheroes Hangout is a café cum boutique near India’s Taj Mahal run by “sheroes”—women who have fought to survive after receiving a debilitating blow to their appearance and self-esteem. These women have the courage to live, work, and walk in the midst of the society after being attacked with acid, forcing society to reevaluate its norms around beauty and appearances. They are true fighters. Their transformation into successful, empowered, income-earning women makes them inspires other survivors to become sheroes too.

Sourav Karmakar completed his postgraduate diploma in Mass Communication from University of Calcutta in 2008. Ever since he began studying journalism, he practiced various photographic styles, and he is currently concentrating on outdoor photography.

Comments from the judges:

“The composition, color and energy between the women is all spot on. Great photo.”

“I was struck not only by the beauty of the subjects in the photograph but by the composition and rich colors. It truly conveys women's power and resilience! “

Second prize: Arpan Chowdhury

© Arpan Chowdhury

Bleed Green

This photo celebrates the efforts of Sharmita Mukherjee, a Bengali entrepreneur who not only makes other women's futures brighter but is also fighting for a healthier and cleaner world. Her hope for equality finds its way through sustainable development to a greener future. This team of women processes and supplies eco-friendly sanitary napkins that are plastic free and biodegradable. The entire process engages more than 150 women workers while creating awareness of the importance of sustainable development.

Arpan Chowdhury is a self-taught photographer, specializing in street and culture. Arpan aims to become a photojournalist, improving the lot of society’s disadvantaged classes through his photographs.

Comments from the judges:

“Excellent use of shape and color to amplify the subject matter.”

“The numerous important issues covered in this photo really resonated with me.”

Third prize: Mithail Afrige Chowdhury

© Mithail Afrige Chowdhury

Rage for Rape

A physically disabled protestor attends a rally at Manik Mia Avenue, in Dhaka, Bangladesh, to raise her voice against the recent brutal rape of a woman.

Some may think women are weak and do not contribute to society. But women are unbeatable and fearless. Some may think the kitchen is a woman’s limit. But actually the sky is the limit. Women risk their lives to save their children; women raise their voices for justice; women can earn their living and support their family.

Mithail Chowdhury is an award-winning documentary and street photographer based in Dhaka, Bangladesh. He aims to illustrate other people's problems and emotions and to effect change through his photographs.

Comments from the judges:

“Nice composition and successful photo for black and white.”

“An impactful photo of a strong woman on the frontlines, fighting back!”

Honorable Mention: Kyaw Zay Yar Lin

© Kyaw Zay Yar Lin

Myanmar's Women

Woman sculptor using machinery to create an image of  Buddha.

Kyaw Zay Yar Lin is an award-winning 27-year-old lifestyle, journalism, travel, landscape, street, and portrait photographer from Mandalay and Sagaing, Myanmar, who studied under AFP Myanmar’s chief photographer U Ye Aung Thu.

Comments from the judges:

“Interesting and thoughtful composition.”

“I loved the framing of this photo, which offers a unique point of view on the pictured artistic practice.”

Honorable Mention: Roberto Gregori

©Roberto Gregori

Caring for the Poor

This photo of a woman preparing meals for poor people at the Jagdish temple in Udaipur, India, was taken during a recent trip to India.

Roberto Gregori, an award-winning Italian photographer, has documented Africa’s ethnographic and naturalistic aspects. His photographs from Mali and South Africa have been published on the National Geographic Italia website and he has attended photo workshops by internationally renowned photographers.

Comments from the judges:

“Wonderful tone to this photo.”

“I love the colors, framing, and the caring actions of the women in the photo.”

Honorable Mention: Kanishka Puri

© Kanishka Puri

Women lifeguards of India navigating through a male-dominated workplace

Pooja coordinates with the lifeguards on the Baga Beach in Goa, India, to protect tourists during high tide. In 2021, three women became India’s first female lifeguards, joined by two more the following year, when overall female employment was a dispiriting 9%. Pooja, daughter of a fisherman, says her eternal quest for adventure led her to the job. In addition to dealing with men who don’t take women seriously, the nine-hour shift involves being on her feet and on the lookout at all times.

Kanishka Puri is an amateur award-winning documentary filmmaker and photographer who knits tales through images and films, drawing inspiration from the chaos, beauty, serenity, and community that surrounds her.

Comments from the judges:

“Great angle to capture the power of the woman lifeguard.”

“I absolutely love this story about the first women lifeguards of India. This is such a powerful portrait of Pooja, and I would love to see a whole series on this initiative!”