In a world where globalisation connects us more than ever, “My Equal Life” project by Caritas Finland is bridging the gap between people in the Global South and those living in Finland.

Through the lens of Bangladeshi photographer GMB Akash, this project zooms in on the daily lives of marginalised people in Bangladesh, amplifying their voices and making inequality visible.

Due to its positive social impact, “My Equal Life” receives the Finnish Foreign Ministry’s Global Citizenship Education funding, which is designed to create awareness about inequality. The fund also aims to sensitise and bring the experiences of those in the Global South closer to the hearts of people living in Finland. The project’s core comprises nearly 20 evocative photographs, each accompanied by stories that shed light on the struggles and resilience of the local communities. Akash’s work dignifies the most marginalised people in society offering them an opportunity to share their experiences.

The photos and stories have been shown at various exhibitions in several cities in Finland in public spaces, such as public libraries, to make them accessible to a wide audience. In fact, during a 37-week period, over 200,000 people saw the exhibition. Their response was heartfelt, with many noting how the stories and photos had moved them deeply. The project has successfully imparted insights into the lives of those in Bangladesh, highlighting their unyielding hope in the face of adversity.

Educational material to reduce inequality

The project provides valuable discussion materials alongside the photos to promote the message of equality. These resources, available in Finnish, Swedish and English, are used in schools and suitable for various age groups. The project uses texts, discussions and interactive exercises to raise awareness about human needs worldwide and the role that each of us can play. To do so, the messages are also shared through social media campaigns and a photo contest to raise awareness about inequality, reaching over 972,000 people through social media influencers.

About GMB Akash

The key contributor to the “My Equal Life” project is GMB Akash, a well-known Bangladeshi photographer whose work tells the stories of people living on the fringes of society. Akash’s photos are internationally appreciated and featured in prestigious publications, such as The Guardian, Vogue, Time, Sunday Times and Newsweek. His Instagram and Facebook accounts have become a hub for followers worldwide, sharing the narratives of those at the heart of his work.

Beyond his role as a photographer, Akash maintains personal connections with the subjects he captures. Distressed by the lack of improvement in their living conditions, he founded a school to ensure access to education for underprivileged children and trains people in photography, recognising the great impact of education in improving people’s lives.

In a world where inequality is an urgent and global issue, “My Equal Life” is a project that not only makes inequality visible but also inspires empathy and hope: change is possible within our communities.

More information on “My Equal Life”, please visit: https://www.samanarvoinenelamani.org/en.