In today’s fast-paced world of visual media, it can be easy to overlook the power of still photography in capturing moments that tell stories about our lives and the world around us. This year, Goats and Soda has curated a selection of top photo-driven stories from 2025 that showcase the beauty, complexity, and challenges faced by people across the globe. One such story is the powerful exhibit “Sahy Rano,” which was on display at the Photoville Festival in Brooklyn, New York this summer. The title of the exhibition translates to “someone who is not afraid to dive into the water, even if there is a strong current.” This phrase encapsulates the courage and determination required by women living with female genital schistosomiasis (FGS), a neglected tropical disease caused by a parasitic infection transmitted through contact with contaminated water. The photographs in this exhibit feature three former patients of FGS: Rahama Abdallah, Sylvia Razanaparana, and Suzanie Yolandrie. They were photographed in September 2024 in the district of Ambanja in Northern Madagascar while wearing traditional cosmetic face masks from their homeland. These women bravely posed for these images to raise awareness about FGS and challenge societal stigmas surrounding this often-misunderstood condition. Female genital schistosomiasis can cause symptoms similar to those of sexually transmitted diseases, leading to further shame and isolation for affected women. By sharing their stories through powerful visuals, these courageous individuals are helping to break down barriers and promote understanding about this neglected disease. Their images serve as a reminder that we must continue working towards global health equity and ensuring access to quality healthcare services for all who need them. In conclusion, the “Sahy Rano” exhibit is an inspiring example of how photography can be used as a tool for social change. By highlighting the struggles faced by women living with FGS, these images remind us that there is still much work to be done in addressing global health disparities and promoting gender equality. As we move forward into 2026, let us remember the power of storytelling through photography and continue supporting initiatives like this one that aim to create positive change on a global scale.
Source: [Original Article](https://www.npr.org/sections/goats-and-soda/2025/12/27/g-s1-102502/best-global-photo-stories-from-2025)
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