Safiah Abu Shanin

Safiah Abu Shanin is a documentary photographer based in Jerash Refugee Camp. Her work focuses primarily on the rights of children, and also explores themes such as refugee rights, family and disability. As a contributor to The Narrative Projects and a graduate of the 2019 Women’s Documentary Photo Workshop, Safiah sees her role as a documentary photographer as bringing attention to the unseen issues of her community. 

Safiah has spent most of her adult life volunteering for charitable organizations within Jerash Camp, including the Rehabilitation Centre for adults and youth with special needs. She is the regional manager for Sitti, a women-owned and operated social enterprise in the camp. She also works as an early childhood field coordinator with Save the Children in Al-Zaatari Camp. Through her work, she aims to develop and grow educational opportunities that will empower women and children in refugee communities across Jordan.