A WOMAN'S WORLD

Seeing life through a female gaze brings its own unique perspective. To mark International Women’s Day, we asked some of our favourite female photographers to share empowering images from around the globe

MARIE HALD, DENMARK

I've never in my career felt such an urge to make a story, says Danish photographer Marie Hald after having a moving conversation with a group of female Scandinavian body activists. The result is a profound portfolio celebrating women such as Helene, 31 (pictured), who are no longer willing to waste another moment of their lives feeling ashamed of their bodies. Hald says, “I am 100 per cent certain that in 10 years' time, we will all look back at the way society talked about fat people and be embarrassed that we didn't know better.

ROMINA AMATO, ITALY

Excellence is not a skill, it's an attitude, says Swiss photographer Romina Amato, who regularly captures the artistry and athleticism of female extreme-sports competitors. Her bird's-eye view of Canadian diver Jessica Macaulay plunging into the Adriatic at the Cliff Diving World Series in Polignano a Mare is heart-stopping, terrifying and uplifting all at once.

MARLEY MORGAN, AUSTRALIA

The connection between mother, child and country is sacred. So says proud Wiradjuri, Gamilaraay and Yuwaalaraay photographer Marley Morgan, who captured this powerful image of Bianca Monaghan and her daughter Maisie. Our women are leading the reclamation of our culture, for our community, says Morgan, who is committed to exposing the world to the resilience and strength of First Nations women. We are the modern women created from our ancestral strength. We do it for our people who couldn't, to ensure we always can.

LAUREN GREENFIELD, USA