Its aim was to reveal key stories. Women who choose to challenge norms in Morocco become symbols of empowerment through skateboarding. This Italian photographer uses the camera as a tool to promote social inclusion and resilience, focusing on women who redefine what is possible with a board in hand. The project, begun in Como in 1996, led to the Break Up Patriarchy series and earned recognition at international platforms, including the Elche II Esperanza Pertusa International Photography Award, backed by a grant of 1,500 euros.
“The women I’ve met and their stories are strong examples of how skateboarding lets marginalized people express themselves with authenticity and spark others to stand up for their own freedom,” notes the Italian artist, who later secured a prize at Maghreb Photography Awards for immigration coverage.
Second prizes of 500 euros each were awarded to Emran Hussein for a project on dumpster workers facing poverty and to Marcos Azulay for a piece titled Bye. Special mentions were given to works exploring dangerous social strata, the underworld, lakeside paradises, post-rain moods, fatigue-related sleep, sun-mamas, and moments of uncertainty, showcasing a broad spectrum of human experience.
A moment from the action shows the mayor and a member of the Cultural Council in the Orden Tercera room at Elche, capturing the civic support behind the festival.
During the awards ceremony, Esperanza Pertusa Foundation announced the winning projects in the exhibition hall. The event took place within the XXV Edition of the PHotoEspaña International Photography Festival, with a jury that included Isabel Muñoz, Claude Bussac, and Ana Palacios. The winners were selected from more than 210 artists representing 22 countries. The mayor of Elche and a Cultural Council member also attended to celebrate the achievement.
Additionally, the Esperanza Pertusa Foundation opened a concurrent exhibition focused on social change, inviting visitors to reflect on how photography can transform perspectives about poverty and social exclusion. The inaugural edition of the Esperanza Pertusa Prize highlights a commitment to documentary storytelling that fosters empathy and action.
The works of these photographers demonstrate a drive toward positive social transformation, addressing global issues of poverty and exclusion. Notable participants include Ana Palacios, who won in a recent edition, along with Ana Álvarez-Errecalde, Ana Valiño, Arturo López, Benedict Bowler, Fernando Iglesias, Javier Fernández, Jesús Aguilar, Nour Eddine, and Pedro Londoño, whose images contribute to a growing archive of socially engaged visual art.