Mary, 52.
Mary's 14 year old daughter disappeared in 2007 after being captured by the Sri Lankan army. Mary has not seen her daughter since. "I'm tired of telling my story. I'm not the only one who's going through this, not knowing where our loved ones are. I just want my child back. She would be 22 years old now."

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After the War : Portraits of Tamil Women

Mandy Glinsbockel | Sri Lanka

The Sri Lankan Civil War lasted for over 25 years as an armed conflict between the Sri Lankan military and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (the LTTE), who fought in an attempt to create an independant Tamil state in the north and east of the island. With estimates of 80,000 to over 100,000 killed throughout the course of the war, civilians are still reeling over the hardships and human rights abuses and violations imposed upon them. 

In late 2015, journalist E. Rimaila and I traveled to Sri Lanka to interview a number of Tamil women with the intention of giving voice to their perspective and harrowing experiences resulting from the conflict. With the loss and disappearance of their children and family members, and a continual threat of violence from the military, women are living their daily lives in a state of fear and trepidation.

At their request, these women were interviewed and photographed within the safety and confines of a local church. Though the Civil War officially ended in 2009, for these women it continues.

Mandy Glinsbockel is an award winning documentary photographer from Canada. She is driven by storytelling with a focus upon women's social issues, education and empowerment. Publications of her work include National Geographic Society, Foundation of Sustainable Development, Aura Freedom International and Photo District News Magazine.

www.mandyglinsbockel.com

info@mandyglinsbockel.com

 

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