“Voices of Abkhazia: gendered perspectives" a photography exhibition for IDP women from the war in Abkhazia: utilizing photography, interviews & story-telling as a form of documentation of the conflict 30 years later in Zugdidi, the Republic of Georgia

Abstract

Thousands of Georgians and Abkhazians were displaced during the War in Abkhazia (1992-1993), and many people still live as IDPs (Internally Displaced Persons). This project utilizes methods of photography, interviews, and story-telling as a form of documentation of the war and post-conflict experience and situation from women’s perspectives. Through these methodologies, we have the ability to document important aspects of conflict through a gendered lens. This project creates a platform where women may feel empowered in sharing their stories, as they hold agency over how they are represented. Portraits of IDP women and audio recordings of their stories are displayed at a three-day-long photo exhibition titled Voices of Abkhazia: Gendered Perspectives in Zugdidi, The Republic of Georgia.