Women Empowered: Inspiring Change in the Emerging World

by Phil Borges (Photographer), Madeleine K. Albright (Foreword)

The accomplishments of ordinary women in developing and war-ravaged countries who have broken through the barriers of oppression to make a positive difference in their communities is brilliantly told through radiant photography and riveting profiles. The heroic examples set by these women, whose bravery and determination enabled them to move beyond victimization to leadership, speak to the universal themes of courage, empowerment, and human rights. As part of CARE's campaign to empower women everywhere, Women Empowered reveals how determined women of all ages have effectively turned their struggles into triumphs.

Genres: Photography, Nonfiction, Womens

112 pages, Hardcover

First published February 27, 2007

About the author

Over the years as a Creative Director in advertising, SongLi (as he is known in Mandarin) has worked for major agencies in America, Japan, and China. From this experience he decided to follow his own passion for photography, driven by an active imagination. His unique visual focus is noted for its emphasis on the power and emotion of details even in the most simple subjects."

Reviews

[Delight · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this photojournalist's book of photos of women around the world who have changed their corner of their world, to improve the lives of the women. I finished this book inspired by the women I read about, awed by their accomplishments, and chagrined about the things I complain about. This one's going on my nightstand and I'll reach for it when I'm looking for inspiration.

[Fabiana Jorge · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was likely the first book I ever read from start to finish that is under the "photography" genre. And what a pleasant surprise!

For those of us interested in hearing untold stories about women in poor areas of our world, Phil passes along his experience in a very powerful way. Often women like the ones in this book go their whole life without being seen... ever!

This book allows for the world to see them, hear about their experiences (sometimes horrific ones) and learn how with so very little they were able to change their reality and that of those around them. These women changed their world with very little, this book is proof that we can too. To them and to Phil for capturing everything so well, thank you!

[Pooja]

An amazing book which really inspiring women to change their thoughts what is the power whats she can do
International Women’s Day Quotes

[Rachel Jackson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Women Empowered was a cool book to read in these trying times we live in: despite everything going on around us, it was a relief to know that now, even as far back in 2007 when this book was published, there are badass women all around the world fighting to change their lives and their communities. While I am skeptical of a white man traveling the world taking photos that could otherwise be construed as "trauma porn," I think Borges did a great job showing real women in many different countries in many different circumstances, and his stories to accompany them were inspiring in a lot of different ways. This seems like a good coffee table book to have sitting around so people will be curious and pick it up and learn something new. Parts of the book were unfortunately outdated, i.e. all the info about Afghanistan, given that the Taliban is back in power there and more oppressive than ever. But I loved seeing photos of real women and girls and getting a glimpse into their lives and achievements.

[Angi · Rating 5 out of 5]

For a simple 109 page book with pictures, this books moved me in ways i have trouble expressing. The things that myself and many other women here in The United States take for granted are things these women would literally give an eye for. In recent weeks of disharmony this book will make you take a deep look at somethings most would like to believe is made up. Honesty in beautifully taken pictures and simple but powerful words honoring these amazingly strong women.

[Linda]

Featured in O magazine, Aug 2007