Phil Borges, social documentary photographer and filmmaker has traveled around the world with his camera, capturing people and their stories. He is one of those few photographers who travels to the developing world and highlights sensitive issues in these countries through his photography and books.

His book Tibetan Portrait: The Power of Compassion highlights the adversity faced by highly spiritual people in Tibet and how they have been displaced from their homeland. His another book The Gift focuses on hard working medical teams who have dedicated themselves and their profession towards children in developing countries.

His recent exhibit "Stirring the Fire" aims at addressing gender issues and how women in many countries are held back and forbidden of their basic human rights.

He's not just taking photographs and sharing it with the world. He shares inspiring stories of women who in spite of their hardships have managed to help themselves by gaining education and knowledge. Women who have had the courage to stand-up against injustice and supported other women in gathering the strength to fight for their rights and bring about a positive change in their lives.






































In his travels he realized that even in the 21st century, there are many cultures that denies a woman of living a free life, a life free of discrimination and violence from their fathers, brothers, husbands, boyfriends and even women in their families and village.  He found that such discrimination is embedded in many cultures and women are brought up to believe that they are meant to serve the male fraternity. He also found that if given the choice and opportunity these women can go out of their way to challenge such atrocious centuries old ideologies.

Borges shared an inspiring story of Abay from Ethopia, a girl who at the age of 12 learnt to stand up for herself. In Ethopia, women circumcision is a common practice, a horrifying procedure, that thanks to Abay was later abolished by the men in her community. She ran away when she was 12, refusing to take part in her circumcision ceremony and returned 8 years later as a worker for CARE. She showed a film of women being circumcised to the male leaders, a horrifying film that led to an end of any such tradition in her village.

Abay

There are many such stories that Borges has to share, but it's not just the stories that he is interested in. He calls for action, he wants to stir a fire among people all over the world and stand up for women empowerment. He has brought together an extensive database (Take Action) of organizations in his website, these are resources that will bring you opportunities like internships, study abroad programs and exciting volunteering opportunities.

Borges has also offered a grant for University of San Diego for students who can gain good education that focuses on issues like gender equality and social justice. "The fellowship grant is intended to encourage students to become active participants in finding solutions to social problems that affect women and girls." describes his website.


















































So visit his Stirring The Fire website and go through numerous testimonials, photographs and stories that will inspire you and motivate you. And do check out endless submissions on his Facebook Page with images of men and women from all over the world with one slogan, "I Stand". It's pretty exciting and comforting to see people like Borges dedicating their life, career, experience and resources for the better good.



"There is in every true woman's heart, a spark of heavenly fire, which lies dormant in the broad daylight of prosperity, but which kindles up and beams and blazes in the dark hour of adversity."

-Washington Irving.