NEVERTHELESS, SHE PERISISTED.
The project acknowledges the struggles of 25 women - and celebrates their survival.
I worked closely with women who have overcome child loss, domestic abuse, rape, self harm, body dysmorphia, suicide attempts, breast cancer and much more. These women told me some of the hardest stories you can imagine, but have found the strength and courage to share them with me.
I hoped this project would empower the women and girls who took part. I also hope that women viewing the final project will see that they are not alone, and perhaps have the strength to use their own voice, too.
Nevertheless, She Persisted was released on March 8th 2018 to coincide with International Women's Day.
The series was exhibited in Edinburgh in May 2018 and London in October 2018.
Edinburgh opening night images by Katie Blair Matthews (www.katieblairmatthews.com) :
Press for Nevertheless, She Persisted:
Edinburgh Evening News feature:
STV feature
British Institute of Professional Photography (Scottish Region) feature:
https://www.bippscotland.com/event/nevertheless-she-persisted/
Edinburgh College Photography feature:
Edinburgh College feature:
BBC Radio Scotland interview: (from 52.08)
https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b0b2r9bg#play
Document Scotland interview:
http://www.documentscotland.com/nevertheless-she-persisted-by-mhairi-bell-moodie/
Edinburgh College interview:
The Skinny events listing:
Fast Forward // Women in Photography event listing:
The Student Newspaper review:
http://www.studentnewspaper.org/nevertheless-she-persisted-at-the-out-of-the-blue-drill-hall/
Nevertheless, She Persisted would not have been possible without the support of the following charities:
SANDS Lothians
SANDS Lothians provide compassionate support to families following the death of a baby through their specialised bereavement services including befriending and counselling. The charity has been supporting bereaved families for over 30 years in Edinburgh and the Lothians. Many of the staff and volunteers are bereaved parents themselves, allowing them to understand the journey as well as offer compassionate support.
SANDS Lothians have specialist baby bereavement counsellors who can provide free counselling for as long as needed. This is a confidential service governed by the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy and COSCA, Counselling and Psychotherapy in Scotland.
For more information on SANDS Lothians, visit www.sands-lothians.org.uk.
Edinburgh Women's Aid
Edinburgh Women’s Aid is an all-women’s, confidential organisation which provides information, support and where appropriate refuge accommodation for women and any accompanying children who have experienced or at risk of experiencing Domestic Abuse.
For more information on Edinburgh Women's Aid, visit www.edinwomensaid.co.uk.
Breast Cancer Now
Breast Cancer Now is the UK's largest breast cancer research charity. The charity has a portfolio of eight Scottish research projects worth almost £1.4 million and supports almost 450 of the world's brightest researchers across the UK and Ireland, who are working on ways to detect, treat and stop breast cancer.
Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in women in Scotland. Over 4,600 women are diagnosed with breast cancer and around 1,000 people die from the disease in Scotland each year.
The charity is determined to stop women dying from the disease, working in new, collaborative ways and bringing together all those affected by the disease to fund research, share knowledge and find answers.
Breast Cancer Now's ambition is that by 2050 everyone who develops breast cancer will live.
For more information on Breast Cancer Now visit www.breastcancernow.org
Changing Faces
Changing Faces is the only UK wide charity which supports children, young people and adults with marks, scars or medical conditions that make them look different. Changing Faces helps people who have a visible difference to their face or body to live the lives they want. Our campaign for face equality is about being treated fairly and equally irrespective of appearance. We are working to transform public attitudes towards people with a disfigurement.
For more information on Changing Faces, visit www.changingfaces.org.uk.