I met and photographed Grace in October 2020 for ActionAid’s Women by Women campaign.
Grace became a widow in 2009. Shortly after her husband's death, his brothers conspired to dispossess Grace of all that was left behind for her and her children.
In 2016, after a prolonged battle with her in-laws, she was able to get back some landed properties with the help of Women Aid Collective (WACOL), one of ActionAid Nigeria’s local partners.
Time and time again, we have seen how patriarchal cultural norms and tradition have and continue to endanger the lives of girls and women in our society. While we still have a long way to go in dismantling patriarchal systems in our society, I applaud everyone that is striving to create a better world for girls and women.
All images taken in Enugu, Nigeria.
Portrait of Mercy Onah. Mercy Onah became a widow in 2009. Shortly after her husband's death, his brothers conspired to dispossess Mercy of all that was left behind for her and the children. With the help of Women Aid Collective (WACOL), she was able to get back some landed properties. Mercy who works as a janitor at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, has also referred other survivors of gender based violence to seek counsel from WACOL.
As Mercy prepares to make lunch, her first child, Chinaza helps out in the kitchen.
Mercy takes a break from the kitchen to play with her twin boys
Mercy arranges some of her clothes in the company of her twin boys.
Mercy’s first child, Chinaza and her younger brother, Chiagozie, share a laugh in their home in Nsukka, Enugu
Portrait of Mercy Onah. Mercy Onah became a widow in 2009. Shortly after her husband's death, his brothers conspired to dispossess Mercy of all that was left behind for her and the children. With the help of Women Aid Collective (WACOL), she was able to get back some landed properties. Mercy who works as a janitor at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, has also referred other survivors of gender based violence to seek counsel from WACOL.
Etinosa Yvonne
Etinosa Yvonne is a self-taught documentary photographer and visual artist based in Nigeria. She works across the African continent on various issues.