Women of Courage
Katherine Kiviat and Scott Heidler spent years after the collapse of the Taliban documenting the rise of strong women in the wake of their oppression. Originally entitled Parwana—meaning butterfly—Katherine, a photographer, and Scott, a journalist, interviewed these remarkable individuals with all of their diversity and accomplishments.
It was incredibly important for Polemic that the book to not feel like "white people taking photos", so we employed the use of Farsi and took photographs of intricate Afghan carpets. For all interviews, the Farsi came first, and the actual hardcover below the dust jacket was written exclusively in Farsi. We also were able to art direct the entire book, composing the juxtapositions of the different occupations and personalities of the women.
Women of Courage shares an intimate look at the inspiring women who are forging a new future in Afghanistan and playing a crucial role in the changing landscape of this turbulent nation, giving voice to a culture of women that has been silenced for decades under the oppressive regime of the Taliban.
Acknowledging the dichotomy between a white American photographer and her subject of Afghan women, Polemic rendered the cover of Women of Courage in Farsi (Dari).
Polemic designed the entirety of the book, carefully juxtaposing the portraits and stories to heighten their power.
