Honorable Mention TOKYO-2020 Editorial / Photo Essay

Children With A Disability Hidden From Society

  • Photographer
    Matilde Simas
  • Agency / Studio
    Matilde Simas Photography
  • Technical Info
    Leica Q; 28mm
  • Photo Date
    February 2020

In many countries, like Ethiopia, a child with a physical disability is often isolated and hidden in their home. Misinformation has led to people believing that supernatural forces are the reasons for disability. In an effort to document this issue, I traveled to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Over 5000 physically disabled children wait for healthcare at the CURE Children's Hospital. The project aims to advocate for increased funding to support these children, to change attitudes, and to give others a fresh look at the abilities—not disabilities—of these kids, is paramount.

Award-winning freelance photographer, Matilde Simas is a storyteller, educator, and the founder of Capture Humanity. Specializing in crafting ethical visual storytelling content for academic and NGO's around the world. Matilde leverages the power of visual storytelling to inform, provoke discussions, and inspire action. She achieves this by public speaking and exhibiting her work in museums, galleries, and public spaces. Her work on human trafficking has been widely exhibited by various UN agencies.