Unsung Heroes – Powerful stories from across the world

“Admitting women’s perfect equality would be the greatest hallmark of civilisation, and would double mankind’s intellectual forces”.

Inspired by a desire to bear witness to the violence against women, the Unsung Heroes photography project – by portrait artist Denis Rouvre – gives a voice to women from all over the world. Some are fleeing conflict zones, others are campaigning against the established social order, some had no choice but to carry on, and others have made the decision to take action.

In the run up to International Women’s Day, follow the stories of five women as we unveil a different story each day this week of those who often remain hidden behind statistics and borders…

Unsung Heroes means listening to the most challenging stories: the emotional, physical and institutional violence perpetrated against millions of women. At the same time, it is a call from the movements which are driving change. It demonstrates the commitment of ordinary women from all over the world who are fighting for women’s fundamental rights to be respected.

All 60 portraits and testimonies are produced throughout 2018 and 2019 and will lead to an exhibition which will immerse the viewer in the lives of the women through their stories, combining photos with written and oral contributions. The project will be on show in France in autumn 2019 before being taken on a world tour in 2020.