By: Janna Oberdorf, Director of Communications and Outreach for Women Deliver
When we announced our Women Deliver 100 list of the most inspiring people delivering for girls and women, we never imagined that just weeks later one of the honorees would be held captive in Libya. But that’s what happened to Lynsey Addario, a New York Times photojournalist, when she was captured and faced days of brutality in Libya.
Finally, this past Monday, The Libyan government freed Lynsey and three of her fellow New York Times journalists, six days after they were captured while covering the conflict between government and rebel forces in the eastern city of Ajdabiya.
This isn’t the first time Lynsey has been brave enough to take her camera to the front lines. She has photographed women across the globe for over a decade, producing haunting and galvanizing images of women’s lives from conflict zones to family homes. Her photography has covered issues ranging from maternal mortality in Sierra Leone to the lives of female soldiers in the US military, from victims of sexual assault in the Congo to the self-immolation of women in Afghanistan. Last year, her images became the face of the Women Deliver 2010 conference, reflecting her uncanny ability to capture the strength and diversity of women who are delivering all over the world for their families, communities, and nations. By turns breathtaking and disturbing, her work puts a face to women’s experiences, making it impossible to look away, ignore, or forget.
Read the full story, written by all four captured journalists, where Lynsey describes her experience and how she feared for her life. At Women Deliver, we can just be thankful that, now, Lynsey has been released and is out of harm’s way. Lysney is truly a woman who delivers. Her images, shown in the video below, are a testament and a celebration of her strength and courage. Please feel free to share your words of encouragement in the comments section below as Lynsey recovers from her ordeal.
Entry Comments
Lynsey, you are ever in our hearts and prayers - Lisa was here visiting with the boys when you and the others disappeared. We shared our fears and concerns with each other and both of us prayed very, very hard that you would all be freed. When the US attacked Libya we despaired that you would survive. Thank God for the Turkish ambassador. Lisa and I talked on the phone; both of us in joyous disbelief. The following day I was going through photographs she unearthed in a closet downstairs and there was a beautiful picture of the two of you taken at U of W in Madison in happier times. Take care, please! My best wishes to you and Paul.
Lynsey,
I was in Washington DC earlier this month, lobbying for women who live in some of the areas where you photograph. Thank you for your bravery and for making the world aware of the plights of women who have such intrinsic value. While my heart celebrates that you are out of harms way, I am so sorry you endured the mistreatment you did. You will need some time to heal.
I pray you will be surrounded by men and women who will protect and honor you and your work. May your work continue to touch the hearts of others who can effectively end the mistreatment, abuse and disregard of women.
I am standing with you dear lady. I believe as we continue to work and ask the powers of the Universe to enlighten, change and heal the hearts and minds of those who dishonor women, it is possible.
Rita
You are really a respectable woman. Look what Pamela and Rita said upstairs. It’s a great progress for Libya to have a woman fight for the rights,especially for women’s rights.Wish you success.