The ZEKE Awards, an international accolade recognising excellence in social documentary, announced their 2026 winners this week, honouring projects that shed light on pressing global issues. Italian photographer Ginevra Bonina was awarded the ZEKE Award for systemic change for her impactful project, 'Out for Blood', which confronts the realities of period poverty in India and chronicles the efforts of women and girls striving for bodily autonomy and liberation.
Bonina's work delves into the often-stigmatised topic of menstruation, showcasing the socio-economic and cultural barriers faced by countless individuals. Her photographic narrative aims to empower those affected, presenting their struggles and resilience as a powerful force for change within their communities. The project highlights the ongoing fight to reclaim the body as a 'site of struggle, resistance and liberation', a poignant message resonating far beyond India's borders.
In parallel, the award for documentary photography was bestowed upon Ebrahim Alipoor for his long-term project, 'Bullets Have No Borders'. Alipoor's compelling series offers an intimate look into the perilous lives of border porters who transport goods across the formidable Iran-Iraq mountains. These individuals undertake immense risks daily, navigating treacherous terrain and political complexities, all to provide for their families in economically challenging regions.
Alipoor's photographs capture the human spirit amidst adversity, illustrating the dedication and sacrifice inherent in their work. The project provides a vital window into a often-overlooked profession, revealing the personal stories behind the global movement of goods and the resilience of those living on the margins of formal economies. Both winning projects exemplify the power of visual storytelling to raise awareness and foster understanding of complex human experiences.
The ZEKE Awards aim to champion photographers and documentary makers whose work not only documents social issues but also inspires dialogue and potential solutions. The recognition of Bonina and Alipoor underscores the importance of such visual narratives in bringing critical, often underreported, stories to a wider international audience, encouraging empathy and a deeper engagement with global challenges.