After photographing 'The Afghan Girl', Sharbat Gula, in 1984, the famous photographer Steve McCurry went to see her again with a team of National Geographic. They had a brief encounter in 2003 and he took her picture. She remembered him, because he was the first person who ever made a photo of her. By then she had turned 30 and, when she took off her burka for him, by the looks of her face he could tell that life's not always been kind to her.
In cooperation with National Geographic he arranged medical care for her, her husband and their three children. They also took care of the costs so that she could go on a pelgrimage to Mekka.
National Geographic founded 'The Afghan Girl's Fund', together with non-profit organisations, that tries to make education available to Afghan girls and young women.
So good that this iconic photo has led to change for women and girls in Afghanistan. Also good that she and her family have received care because of the reunion.
July 28th, 2017
Leave a Comment
Sign up for a free account or Sign in to post a comment.