AFGHAN & CENTRAL ASIAN ASSOCIATION
Culture & Empowerment
The Afghan and Central Asian Association (ACAA) is a UK-based charity dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for refugees from Afghanistan and Central Asia. Founded in 2001 by Dr. Nooralhaq Nasimi, a former refugee, the organization is deeply rooted in empathy and understanding of the challenges faced by displaced individuals. Through integration programs, advocacy, and empowerment initiatives, ACAA provides vital support and a sense of hope to those navigating the complexities of building a new life.
My collaboration with ACAA began with a commission to lead the Game Changers campaign, a groundbreaking initiative promoting the inclusion of Muslim women and girls in sport. This campaign featured Abresham FC, an amateur football team in London, as its centerpiece. Through photography and thoughtfully designed campaign materials, we highlighted the transformative power of visibility and representation in sports. The campaign culminated in an impactful promotion at an International Women’s Day event at the Royal Albert Hall, drawing attention to the importance of gender and cultural inclusivity in athletics.
ACAA’s commitment to storytelling inspired a subsequent project for International Women’s Day, where I was commissioned to document the resilience of Afghan women who fled their homeland after the Taliban’s return to power. This photography and storytelling project captured these women in traditional attire, celebrating their cultural heritage while amplifying their voices. Through portraits and personal narratives, the project created a platform for their bravery and strength to be recognized, drawing attention to their lived experiences and the ongoing challenges they face.
Over the years, my work with ACAA has spanned multiple campaigns and initiatives, each designed to elevate the voices of marginalized communities and showcase their resilience. These commissions have not only supported ACAA’s mission but also strengthened its ability to connect with donors, stakeholders, and the broader public. Through a shared commitment to empowering refugees, we have created a body of work that reflects the dignity, strength, and humanity of those the organization serves.
Our partnership continued with projects like ZANĀN, a women’s empowerment initiative aimed at fostering independence and confidence among refugee women. This collaboration included the production of photography and communications assets that showcased the program’s impact, helping to raise awareness and attract support for its mission. By creating visuals that celebrated the participants’ achievements, we reinforced ACAA’s vision of driving meaningful change for refugee communities.
ABOVE: INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY PORTRAITS
ABOVE: PHOTOGRAPHY AND COMMS TOOLS FOR ZANĀN INITIATIVE
ABOVE: INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY CAMPAIGN
ABOVE: GAMECHANGERS AWARENESS CAMPAIGN
