Maricha Martinez Sosa, PhD

The “Premio Joven de la Imagen” is a biannual contest held by the Dominican Republic’s Image Center to highlight “emerging talents” in photography. The topic chosen for 2019 was “Equality Values”, highlighting the need to focus on female empowerment to reduce domestic violence and femicides. I had the privilege to be nominated for this edition and included in the award’s collective exhibit.

The image I was nominated for is a shot of a luxurious residential construction site in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The title is “Constructor(as)” and plays with the regular use of the Spanish masculine form of workers, proposing the female one in parentheses. Why is it meaningful? Because on a close look, one can realize that except for one, all workers in the depicted construction are women wearing skirts. These empowered ladies are not risking their lives to make a living but also breaking gender stereotypes.

My portrait during the opening event is courtesy of Camilo Santana, who masterfully captured the essence of the moment. To check the exhibit’s catalog and information visit: https://centrodelaimagenrd.org/premio-joven-2019/.