Banned Beauty 2016-2018

A long term visual project about the hidden practice of breast ironing in Cameroon where one out of five girls is a teenage mother.

Breast ironing is a traditional practice that involves massaging or pressing the breasts of pubescent girls in order to suppress or reverse breast development. The practice is carried out in the belief that it helps prevent rapes or sexual advances. Breast ironing is usually done by the girl’s mother or an older relative. Techniques differ from region to region. Some people bind the breasts with a belt, others heat a grinding stone, spatula or pestle and use it to press or massage the breasts. Mothers explain that the painful procedure is an act of love, to make sure their daughters don’t get pregnant and miss out on school or jobs.

Awarded: Published at: Exhibited in

- Winner, World Press Photo 2018, - GEO, Germany - 2025, “What Have We Done?” touring exhibition by world press photo

- Winner, PHmuseum - Newsweeks, USA & Japan - 2022- 2024, "Resilience”, touring exhibition by world press photo in 25 cities.

- Commanded, Ian Perry. - 6mois, France. - 2019, "your voice matters", Arnhem museum, Netherlands.

- "Through a Women’s Lens" . - Politikan, Denmark - 2018, DOCfield festival, Spain.

- Shortlisted, "Nannen Preis" 2018, Germany. - Internazionale, Italy World as image. The United Kingdom.

- DOC!, Poland Photo Kathmandu festival, Nepal.

- Dystrub, France Sard, Egypt.

World Press Photo touring exhibition in 100 cities and 45 countries.

- 2017, Copenhagen photo festival, Denmark.

Obscura Photo festival, Malaysia.

Vilnius Photo Circle, Lithuania.