American Photography 27 Winners

Self Immoliation in Afghanistan

Self Immolation in Afghanistan, Mariam weeps as she stands over her daughter, Najiba, 13 in Herat, Afghanistan, one for the article "For Afghan Wives, A Desperate, Fiery Way Out," November 2, 2010. Hundreds, if not thousands, of Afghan women commit suicide by self-immolation each year to escape abusive marriages, abusive in-laws and poverty. Self-immolation is a growing method of suicide, and as Afghanistan continues along the path of war and economic recession, the number increases.

Self Immoliation in Afghanistan

Self Immolation in Afghanistan, Nargis, an Afghan woman from Kabul who burned herself because her husband beat her repeatedly, has her bandages changed in the burn unit of the hospital, one for the article "For Afghan Wives, A Desperate, Fiery Way Out," November 7, 2011. Hundreds, if not thousands, of Afghan women commit suicide by self-immolation each year to escape abusive marriages, abusive in-laws and poverty. Self-immolation is a growing method of suicide, and as Afghanistan continues along the path of war and economic recession, the number increases.

Veiled Rebellion

Veiled Rebellion, Salim Shaheen's son gets married at a wedding hall in Kabul. Amin Shaheen and his bride, December 2010. Veiled Rebellion-Afghan women suffer under the constraints of tribalism, poverty, and war. Now they are starting to fight for a just life.

Veiled Rebellion

Veiled Rebellion, Kokogol, 25, delivering twins, with her mother by her side, December 2010. Veiled Rebellion-Afghan women suffer under the constraints of tribalism, poverty, and war. Now they are starting to fight for a just life.

Maternal Mortality in Sierra LIone

Maternal Mortality in Sierra LIone, Mamma Sesay, 18, screams in pain and with fear on the delivery table as she is comforted by her sister, Amenata, left, a nurse, as she prepares to deliver, November 2010. Sierra Leone has roughly 900 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births; an average of five women die per day in childbirth, and one in eight women in Sierra Leone will face a lifetime risk of death during childbirth.

Maternal Mortality in Sierra LIone

Maternal Mortality in Sierra LIone, blood continues to leak from Mamma Sesay, 18, shortly after she delivered the second of twins, as her sister, Amenata, help clean her body at the Magb, NOvember 2011, Sierra Leone has roughly 900 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births; an average of five women die per day in childbirth, and one in eight women in Sierra Leone will face a lifetime risk of death during childbirth.

Women At War

Women At War, Medevac teams work out during downtime in Helmand, Afghanistan, November 2010. These women hold positions as pilots, anesthesiologist, nurses, and soldiers with the U.S. Armed forces. Women make up 20 percent of today's military and are quickly taking up roles traditionally held by males.

Women At War

Women At War, United States Marines with Female Engagement Teams attached to the 3-1 Marines, Lance Corp Darlene Diaz, 20, from Belvedere, IL, washes up in the morning, Afghanistan, November 2010. These women hold positions as pilots, anesthesiologist, nurses, and soldiers with the U.S. Armed forces. Women make up 20 percent of today's military and are quickly taking up roles traditionally held by males.