What a true honour it was to photograph Jebina Yasmin Islam for @cosmopolitanuk . Photography has taken a back seat for me as Iâve moved full time into the VAWG sector (violence against women and girls) so doing this shoot was an instant yes.
Jebina is campaigning tirelessly to ensure that perpetrators of serious crime are ordered to be present throughout their trial and for their verdict. They need to listen to witness statements. Violence against women and girls is devastating and has a ripple effect that cuts through families. The cowards who inflict it need to sit and hear the consequences of their actions.
Thank you Jebina for the work you are doing in your sisterâs name. This article came out on a day where my colleagues and I had been fighting hard with our employer for funding to access the resources we need to support our amazing survivors and this quote really resonated: âWe need to see the bigger picture, and the government isnât doing enough. VAWG isnât a priority. There needs to be more funding to protect women.â
Please read her interview which is beautifully written by Alia Waheed- it covers the story of her sister Sabina Nessaâs senseless murder and the amazing work she has done since. It was wonderful to work with you, Jebina and I canât wait for my kids to have your daughter as their Prime Minister đ€.
Assisted by @el__wood
Art Direction @alexhambis
Production @beverley.croucher
Make up @lindseypoolemakeup
TW- miscarriage and blood.
Late last year I had a missed miscarriage, it wasnât anything like you see on tv.
The first image shows the first test I took and the last. What is doesnât show, but that I want to talk about, is that the first was taken in September when I found out about the pregnancy and the last in January after two medical interventions to help me pass. Miscarriages are not quick. The process is all consuming and life does not wait for you to take the time you need.
I am so lucky to have an employer who made a discretionary decision to give me a decent amount of time off but I know that this is rare. Any loss before 24 weeks is not counted as a bereavement in the eyes of employment policies. Iâve been watching the work of @miscarriageassociation closely and Iâm so relieved to see that finally theyâve convinced the government to commit to ensuring that this changes. Iâd encourage anyone who can, to look at how you can support, if youâre an employer then please look into your policies and change them.
Itâs a loss and I still grieve every single day.