Kicking it off with visual journalist Fabeha Monir

"If we want to document people and places with nuance and sensitivity, we need to be doing it as a diverse community of storytellers. You cannot see the world only in the eyes of men."

We’re thrilled to launch our new series “Chats with changemakers” where we connect with artists, activists, and leaders who are inspiring us. To kick things off, we chatted with Fabeha Monir, a visual journalist and photographer for IpasClimateJustice.org (see some of her photos from Bangladesh below). Enjoy!

Ipas: At Ipas, we believe that women should be key players in solving the climate crisis. What does women-led climate justice look like to you?

Fabeha: What happens in the coastal belt when a flood hits or cyclone starts? Usually, men remain far for fishing or stay away from home for work. At that crisis time, women always take the lead and take care of their children and family resources. But it is very unfortunate that women have very limited decision-making power. And everything is linked to climate change. Women-led climate justice will give them power, as they will be able to sit at the table where decisions will be made.

You worked with Ipas to document how the climate crisis impacts women’s reproductive health in Bangladesh. How do you think visual stories about the climate crisis should be presented?

Fabeha: I strongly believe that the first step to changing climate injustices in today’s world is to collaboratively imagine with disadvantaged communities what a more just future could look like. Then visualize that new reality through storytelling so that others, especially those who have the power to change society, can be exposed to new perspectives on where things still need to change.

What does it mean to you to be a humanist photographer?

Fabeha: My images invite dialogue. Presenting horror on your coffee table or screen is not what I deliberately want. I want you to feel, ask questions, get angry and react. There is a calling for humanity; every entity on this planet is connected. If one is affected, another is going to suffer somehow.
"The cycle of suffering is endless unless we do something to change."

What is inspiring you right now?

Fabeha: Despite all hardships, everyone around me is fighting for a better tomorrow—this is what inspires me to continue this journey. This pandemic taught us we cannot live alone. Our suffering is collective, so is our happiness. We should cherish and celebrate this unity and work for each other, for an equal world.
Visit IpasClimateJustice.org to see more of Fabeha’s stunning photos! ([link removed])
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