The 10 most impactful photos from CARE’s 2024 global image library

Isatu Madu Gbla, who as a single mother of four living in Sierra Leone, is nothing if not a leader determined to be a part of her community and a provider for her kids. She was one of several women photographed by America's Next Top Model judge Nigel Barker as part of CARE's 2024 International Women's Day campaign, She Leads the World. Photo: Nigel Barker/CARE

By Chandra Prasad, with CARE Staff December 20, 2024

In 2024, it was tempting to look away from all the raging wars, the waves of climate shocks, the political instability, and the economic turmoil. Everything seemed to only be making the ongoing humanitarian crises around the world worse. But we didn't look away.

Even in the face of so many challenges, communities around the world have risen with remarkable courage to rebuild and plant the seeds for a different way forward.

CARE’s Global Photo Library Coordinator, Chandra Prasad, a seasoned photographer with over 30 years of experience, took on the task of selecting the 10 most impactful images from the over 5,000 CARE and its partners gathered throughout the year.

His choices were guided by the universal human emotions these images evoked—emotions he connects with every day as he sifts through the stories they tell.

Strength: Teissir’s smile of courage

23-year-old Teissir smiles, despite having endured what CARE has called a war on women and girls in Sudan. Behind her are her three sisters, all survivors of a conflict that has uprooted millions. Teissir’s smile shows her incredible courage. Their journey to safety included a harrowing escape under heavy crossfire, culminating in a 10-day trek to Chad. Despite losing their parents, they are building a new future from themselves and their children.

Sorrow: Amid the rubble in Idlib

A man stands motionless amid the ruins of Idlib, Syria, where an airstrike devastated a health facility and nearby civilian areas in December. Nearly 14 years of war have left scenes like this heartbreakingly common. Yet, renewed hope flickers for a brighter future in the region.

Life: Baby Laila’s first cry

In the midst of Gaza’s ongoing humanitarian crisis, baby Laila* was born safely in one of the region’s few functioning hospitals. Her mother, Zenab*, described the conflicting emotions she felt before giving birth: “I am terrified. At the same time, I cannot wait to hold my baby in my arms. It is strange having these feelings of horror mixed with something so beautiful”. Zenab*’s husband was killed at the start of the conflict, and she is currently living in a tent with Laila*, and her older daughter, displaced by a conflict that has taken over 40,000 lives.

Joy: Building dreams in Pakistan

Entrepreneur Shajahan Begum and her husband laugh while sorting goods at her shop in Pakistan. She is an entrepreneur and participant in Strive Women, a program led by CARE and supported by the Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth, which strengthens the financial health of women-led small businesses. The program addresses the unique gender barriers faced by women-led businesses, such as limited access to credit.

Disbelief: Drought’s toll on Zimbabwe

Farmer Anna Chitiyo examines her stunted maize plants during Zimbabwe’s April drought. The El Niño-induced disaster has left fields barren and governments declaring national emergencies across Southern Africa.

Pride: A leader’s vision in Sierra Leone

Isatu Madu Gbla, a community leader and mother of four, smiles with quiet determination in Sierra Leone. As the sole provider for her children, she is a driving force against poverty in her community, embodying women’s leadership.

Determination: Baking bread under siege

A Palestinian man bakes bread over a wood fire in Gaza amid January’s fuel and electricity shortages. Nearly one year later, conditions remain dire, with 90% of the population displaced and food insecurity rampant.

Change: Welding a brighter future

Girls in Zimbabwe learn welding through CARE’s START4GIRLS program. The initiative promotes the return to school or entrance into vocational skills training for girls who have dropped out, especially married girls and teenage mothers.

Leadership: Clearing Yemen’s path

Nada and her women’s group cleared debris from their village road in Yemen. Following their leadership, CARE, funded by BMZ, helped to pave the road, restoring access to essential services. Women like Nada and her group help lead resilience and recovery amid the devastating impacts of nearly a decade of war in Yemen.

Warmth: Crafting hope at Pescadero

Nine-year-old Julieta* smiles as she creates crafts at the Pescadero migrant site on the Honduras-Nicaragua border. CARE is one of 39 organizations offering comprehensive support to migrants fleeing violence and hunger in Central America.

*Names changed to protect identity

The 10 most impactful photos from CARE’s 2024 global image library