Explore the Radical Future Visions of Girls.

“In this image, I am examining an x-ray of a patient to see what is causing the pain in her chest. At this point in my life I am a well-respected surgeon in the region. I treat many patients, but the patient I care most about – the one that drove me to be a doctor – is my father, who has lots of medical issues. To be able to help my father, this makes me feel strong, powerful, and capable.”

“Here, I am in the future in my lab at a high level research centre. I love my job because it affords me the opportunity to find treatments for sick animals that are around me. To other deaf girls around the world I would say work hard and you can be what you want to be.”

“In this image, I am taking photos of immigrant people all around the world. It feels great to be a photographer because when I retire, I can look back at all these pictures and pass them down to other generations. I was once a refugee and still am. Before, people would take pictures like this of me. Now, I want to do that for others and keep the pictures with me because it means a lot. I want other people to see how beautiful they are in their pictures.”

“Ever since we studied the solar system in primary school, I have wanted to be an astronaut. I would imagine myself up in the sky discovering new things. In this society my path was not easy – many people told me a girl can’t become an astronaut. Now that I have achieved my goals, I would tell young girls with aspirations to not be afraid, to talk to their parents about what they want and why, to always be confident and know where you want to go.”

“I think a mechanic’s job is really interesting because you get to understand how complex cars and trucks actually work. In Cote d’Ivoire it is not often that you find a female mechanic, but I never let that prevent me from achieving my goal. Now that I am a mechanic, people from all over come to have me fix their vehicles, because they know I am the most knowledgeable. I like that I can take care of myself and help others.”

“Art gives me joy. In this picture I am in the future and a famous guitarist, known across the world— a real superstar. I am intelligent, ambitious, I fight for liberty and I defend development. I am kind toward the world and give back to people through my music. I have begun to think about how I can use my fame and fortune to lead younger people.”

“In this picture, I am photographing a model for a fashion campaign. I love showing people their image—I love taking pictures of my friends and family and giving them a glimpse of how they appear, how others see them, how beautiful they may be.”

“In this image I am in the future and a midwife, giving a checkup to a mother, while I listen to the heartbeat of her baby. I pursued this career because I wanted to help women like my own mother and my sisters – to take care of them and make sure they have the best treatment possible. Now that I have achieved my goals I hope to be a role model for other young girls and encourage them to go into the medical profession.”

“I’ve always wanted to be an architect. Yet, when I was young people told me that this is not something a woman could achieve, and they encouraged me to pursue a more ‘feminine’ profession. But I dreamt constantly of making beautiful homes for families, and designing buildings that bring people joy. Now that I’ve reached my vision, I hope I am a model for other girls - showing them that you should never give up on your dream - no matter what others say.”

“In this image, we are at a concert in New York playing music for a lot of people. My mother and sister are in the audience. It was difficult to be a singer because I was also working part-time and continuing my studies. I want other girls who have the same dream to know that you are never falling down. You need to be focused because there will be ups and downs. There will always be rocks in the road that will try to stop you from reaching your goals - but you just have to focus... and always have music in your heart.”

“In this image, I am a surgeon in different countries where there are not enough doctors, where I can help people who do not have enough resources. I feel very happy when I see this photo because I am doing what I always wanted to do. I would tell other girls who have similar dreams that nothing is impossible. When people see this photo, I want them to think, ‘I want to be like her.’ I would want them to know that it was not an easy path, but that they could follow me as an example.”

“In this image, I am a popular painter, working on a landscape in oils. When I was younger, painting was a hobby – but as I grew older I saw I had a great talent and went to art school. Now I have my own gallery where I sell my paintings and sculptures. My hope is that my artwork inspires peace in the world and encourages people to be kind to one another.”

“In this photo, I’m helping people, defending people’s rights, and making sure no woman is having to face violence. I feel good about the work I do. As long as there is a sincere effort, you can reach whatever goal you want. I would tell other girls who have a similar dream that if they try and put in the effort, they can achieve anything. When I look at this photo, I feel that I am looking at a successful police officer.”

“In this image, I am cleaning my patient’s teeth in a hospital. I feel so proud. The support of my community, family, and people at school, gave me the courage to go after my dreams.”

“In this image I am reporting on several current events in South Kivu for the national radio station, for which I am the Deputy Director. Every day I get to share news, facts, information and the stories of those people I meet with the world. I want to change the issues we talk about.”

“Since I was a young girl I loved taking people’s photographs. I loved going to different events and documenting what was happening – both the good and bad. Now, as a professional photographer I use my images to inspire hope in others – to encourage love and understanding.”

“A while ago, there was a woman in my neighborhood that had to have a c-section. I wanted to be able to help her and other women like her. It was at that moment I decided I was going to become a surgeon. In this image, I look back on my journey here and remember that I once doubted and feared that I would never achieve my goals—but I grew to understand I can be who I want to be.”

“In this picture, I am in the future as a school teacher. My mother inspired me to be a teacher along with all the wonderful teachers I had at school. I would say to other deaf girls to work hard. I would also want people to know that being deaf does not mean we are not equal!”

“In this image, I am working in aviation engineering. When people look at me they see a very courageous woman because I am a woman among men in my profession. What I would want to say to other deaf girls is that the sky is the limit. We can do anything - no matter what.”