senegalese photographer delphine diallo combines collages and portraits of dakar sexual trauma survivors in mixed media project for international day of the girl

Today is International Day of the Girl, a holiday declared by the United Nations in 2011 “to help galvanize worldwide enthusiasm for goals to better girls’ lives, providing an opportunity for them to show leadership and reach their full potential.” Delphine Diallo, an artist, photographer and activist, held art workshops at La Maison Rose, a safe-house supported by Save the Children in Dakar, Senegal for girls who are living under the threat of sexual exploitation and abuse. La Maison Rose, or The Pink House, is a shelter for vulnerable women and girls. It provides the young women, many of whom have children, with accommodation, health and psychological support needed to rebuild their lives and reintegrate into society. Many of the women at La Maison Rose are victims of domestic and sexual abuse, exploitation, trafficking or have been living on the streets. While at the house, women are given access to essential services including medical care, counselling and legal advice, as well as psychological support through activities such as yoga, art workshops and gardening. Delphine’s workshops were meant to encourage girls to express themselves through collage. In commemoration of this day, Delphine photographed the girls from the workshop and combined them with their individual collages to create the most unique pieces. In addition to the mixed media art, we’re honored to include a talk with Delphine Diallo by Save the Children, the mind behind this amazing project. To read their stories, visit the links below.