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Step into a collection of powerful portraits and personal stories that offer an intimate look at the lives, ambitions and achievements of girls and young women in Mali.
For a limited time only, you can discover the inspiring stories of girls and young women in Mali through the FIERES photo exhibition, on display at Time Out Market Montréal.
Admission is free and open to everyone.
Read: The Downtown Montréal meeting spot that solves the “where should we go?” debate
When is the FIERES photo exhibition at Time Out Market Montréal?
Discover this transformative project at Time Out Market Montréal from August 24 to September 27, 2026.
For 15-year-old Alima, the improvements to her school have transformed her everyday life. Renovated classrooms, new school furniture and girls’ latrines designed with their needs in mind have created a safer, more comfortable environment where she can focus on learning.
“Today, I can come to school every day and concentrate on my studies without worrying about the rain or what might happen.”
Through a powerful series of portraits and personal stories, FIERES shines a light on girls, adolescent girls and young women in Mali who are pursuing their education, developing their leadership and building their futures despite the challenges they face.
Atoumata supports teenage girls in her community by helping them understand their rights, build self-confidence and make informed choices about their future. Through the “safe spaces” she leads, girls can openly discuss issues that affect their health, well-being and future opportunities, while gaining the knowledge and confidence they need to become more independent.
“In our safe spaces, girls know they can express themselves without fear. By giving them knowledge about their health, their bodies and their rights, I help them build confidence and make informed choices for their future.”
The exhibition shares stories of young women returning to school, learning new skills, speaking up in their communities and taking action to defend their rights and the rights of others. Each portrait offers a glimpse into realities that are often overlooked while celebrating the ambition, resilience and potential of a new generation.
What will you discover at the FIERES exhibition?
As you explore the exhibition, you’ll discover stories of young people returning to school, pursuing new opportunities and finding their voices within their communities. Through photography and first-hand experiences, the exhibition highlights the importance of education, leadership and empowerment while shining a light on efforts to create more inclusive learning environments.
Most importantly, you’ll leave with a deeper understanding of the resilience, aspirations and transformative potential of a generation working to shape a brighter future.
Why visit the FIERES photo exhibition?
In Mali, security crises, displacement and persistent inequalities continue to create barriers to education, particularly for girls.
The FIERES photo exhibition looks at these challenges while putting resilience, ambition and positive change at the centre of the story. The photographs highlight what becomes possible when families, communities and education partners come together to support girls and young women.
The project works to promote access to quality, equitable and locally relevant education for girls and adolescents in Mali, with a focus on the regions of San, Mopti and Timbuktu. It aims to increase access to education for vulnerable girls, improve learning conditions and strengthen the participation of adolescent girls in decision-making within schools and their communities.
FIERES also supports girls who have been unable to continue their formal education, including displaced and out-of-school adolescents, by providing alternative educational pathways and vocational training opportunities.
The project is implemented with the Paul Gérin-Lajoie Foundation and six Malian organizations: ASSAFE, AFAR, ASG, DIVAROF, APDF and FAWE.
For more information on how to support this project, click here.
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