by Zohre Soleimani

The main professional obstacle for me so far has been the common belief that photojournalism is a man's job. The problem turns into a dilemma when one sees even educated people believe that a male photographer is superior to a woman. You can't expect much from the man on the street when you see female newspaper publishers chanting slogans and defending women's rights publicly, and then choosing male photographers over women for their newspapers.

We also have a tradition in our society that when a woman chooses a profession, she has to work twice as hard as her male colleagues to be accepted by her peers. A woman traveling by herself is also frowned upon in our country. Yet a woman photographer must travel to be able to work, or choose another profession. Some people criticize women for being emotional and sentimental. Thus, their professionalism is questioned. I believe that having emotions and sentiments are the first requirements for any sort of artist.

All in all, I believe that the essential problem is the public's wrong understanding of women's position in society. This will be solved through women's consistent presence, and the double amount of energy they have to spend with respect to their male counterparts.

Feature photography projects
Photojournal of the Khazag people:
Khazags migrated to Iran 60 years ago. They lead a traditional way of life in Turkmen Sahara, near the border to the Turkmenistan Republic to the north of Iran, among the Iranian Turkmens. Recently, there has been a exodus to their original country. My photographs are the first close look at the way of life and the traditions of the Khazags.

Woman football fans:
Iranian female football fans are not allowed to attend football matches in stadiums. But when there was a celebration in the Azadi Stadium after Iran's qualifying match for World Cup 98, girls forced their presence unto the authorities. My photographs capture women's love for the game, and a revolutionary moment in Iranian women's struggle for equal opportunities.

                                                 

Education
BA in Photography, Azad University, Tehran, Iran
Baccalaureate in Math and Physics, Elham High School, Tehran, Iran


Work experience