Taliban ban beauty salons

Under Taliban rule in Afghanistan, women and girls face systematic denial of education, employment, free movement, and basic human rights.

Global Peace Photo Award 2026

The Cut, a photograph of Afghan refugee women holding hairdryers, won the 2026 Global Peace Photo Award from 27,846 entries across 144 countries.

Women train in hairdressing

Refugees in Pakistan relearn beauty skills using mirrors, mannequins, and styling tools after Taliban banned beauty salons in 2021.

Silvia Alessi's background

Italian photographer Silvia Alessi, who previously worked as a hairstylist, shot the image after a 2004 trip to Asia sparked her interest in photojournalism.

Jury member's perspective

Jury member Peter-Matthias Gaede says every hairdryer represents a weapon in the struggle for self-determination, identity, and visibility.

“Every hairdryer is a weapon in the struggle for self-determination, identity and visibility, for participation and the right to choose a profession.”

Photography technique

Alessi used her Nikon Z6 II with a 24-70mm f/2.8 lens to capture the women's arms heroically against a plain concrete wall.

Award significance

The Global Peace Photo Award, now in its 14th year, recognizes photographers who capture human efforts toward peace and beauty in our lives.