Elise Blanchard's Harrowing Photos of Afghan Girls Sold by Parents at Visa pour l'Image

The Visa pour l'Image photojournalism festival in Perpignan, France, is exhibiting the latest work of photographer Elise Blanchard, who documented the harrowing practice of parents selling their young daughters in Afghanistan. Blanchard, who lived in the Taliban-ruled country from 2018 to 2025, describes this reportage as the most difficult she has ever undertaken. The exhibition presents her photographs capturing the reality of families forced to sell their children due to extreme poverty and the oppressive conditions under Taliban rule. Blanchard's work sheds light on the desperate measures taken by Afghan families, highlighting the humanitarian crisis exacerbated by the Taliban's policies. The festival, known for showcasing impactful photojournalism, provides a platform for these images, which are both a testament to the resilience of the Afghan people and a stark reminder of the ongoing suffering. Blanchard's long-term residence in Afghanistan allowed her to gain intimate access to these stories, making her documentation particularly poignant and revealing. The exhibition is part of the 2026 edition of Visa pour l'Image, which runs from late August to mid-September in Perpignan.