A Love Song to Socotra Island grew from a search for inspiring and pioneering women who are making their own way in life while confronting the traditions and customs of a male dominated society. This work pays tribute to these women, and to the inner beauty, wisdom, and generosity they emanate in spite of the harsh realities of their lives. Through their courage, we see the strong beauty of their femininity and the key roles they play in our society. Women in Yemeni society have traditionally had much less power than men. The combination of statutory law, sharia, and traditional tribal practices leave women vulnerable to discrimination and continue to prevent them from obtaining equal rights to men. Socotra Island, a part of Yemen, is a small archipelago of four islands in the Indian Ocean.
Amira Al-Sharif was born in Saudi Arabia and raised in Yemen. Working as a female documentary photographer in Yemen, where the majority of photographers are male, she continues to push cultural and societal boundaries. She works as a freelance photojournalist for English newspapers and magazines in Yemen and abroad. Her work is published in international newspapers and by humanitarian and development organizations in both English and Arabic. Portfolio | Email
Amira Al-Sharif was born in Saudi Arabia and raised in Yemen. Working as a female documentary photographer in Yemen, where the majority of photographers are male, she continues to push cultural and societal boundaries. She works as a freelance photojournalist for English newspapers and magazines in Yemen and abroad. Her work is published in international newspapers and by humanitarian and development organizations in both English and Arabic. Portfolio | Email