CNN sent cameras to moms across the world, and their photos of motherhood are getting us weepy
In the age of social media, it seems like we’re constantly exposed to people from all corners of the world. But in reality, it’s not a fully representative picture. Especially when it comes to motherhood.
So, in honor of Mother’s Day, CNN published a photo series that shows moms from around the world. And what came back is one of the most honest portrayals of momhood we’ve ever seen.
Six months ago, CNN sent 20 disposable cameras to mothers around the world.
Why? To get an unfiltered look at motherhood in other countries.
"We wanted to include the stories of women who might not have smartphones or access to social media, and to see the world through their eyes," CNN writes.
The idea is actually genius: The project presents a portrait of mothers from around the world, including Iraq, Hong Kong, the West Bank, and Brazil. The moms are in their 20s, 30s, and 40s. Some are single moms and some have partners. Some of the moms have one kid, and others have two, three, or four. One mom has eight children! Some have careers, while others are stay-at-home moms. And no, there are no Instagram filters in sight.
We’re all used to hyper-curated images on social media. And rarely do we have the chance to witness candid, truthful representations of average people living their everyday lives. Warning: Some of them may tug at your heartstrings.
Below, a selection of moms — and their stories — from around the world.
We sent disposable cameras to mothers around the world. Here are their photos. https://t.co/UAzMzhvhaS pic.twitter.com/qS3lQSrYRw
— CNN International (@cnni) May 12, 2017
We wanted to include women who might not have smartphones or access to social media; to see their world through their eyes. pic.twitter.com/FxSCEgsNxN
— Masuma Ahuja (@masumaahuja) May 12, 2017
We saw lives of single moms, like Aki Yanazwa, a 35-year-old in Tokyo, who ran for local office to improve the lives of working women. pic.twitter.com/t4YnEqHSZJ
— Masuma Ahuja (@masumaahuja) May 12, 2017
And 42-year-old Rebecca Carter in London, who had her daughter via IVF. pic.twitter.com/quUC8vWXEW
— Masuma Ahuja (@masumaahuja) May 12, 2017
Other mothers — like Jamila Amin in Erbil, Iraq — parent as part of larger, extended families. pic.twitter.com/9enQXQbprc
— Masuma Ahuja (@masumaahuja) May 12, 2017
And then there’s May in Hong Kong, who stands alone in her photos. She's from the Philippines and only sees her daughter on Skype pic.twitter.com/bxZA34Nx7t
— Masuma Ahuja (@masumaahuja) May 12, 2017
Often, though, family life at its core looks the same around the world. pic.twitter.com/iADXDqiWvs
— Masuma Ahuja (@masumaahuja) May 12, 2017
Children play in Mexico, in China, and in the West Bank… pic.twitter.com/jGXoNk2jSz
— Masuma Ahuja (@masumaahuja) May 12, 2017
They wear big backpacks and head to school in Iraq and in Nigeria… pic.twitter.com/uEuaOMEB1m
— Masuma Ahuja (@masumaahuja) May 12, 2017
And doting mothers take cute photos of their kids everywhere — from Cuba to Russia. pic.twitter.com/yVu71mPVwf
— Masuma Ahuja (@masumaahuja) May 12, 2017
Did you find this photo series as enlightening as we did?
