Submission 2025
| Submitted by: | Omima Elkailani |
| Department: | Business |
| Faculty: | Business |
This image overlays a translucent figure of a woman onto the rubble of a war-torn city, visually portraying the duality at the heart of my research: the peril and the pearl of being a woman entrepreneur in a violent conflict zone. While the background reflects the destruction and everyday dangers faced by women entrepreneurs in violent conflict zones, the woman’s upward gaze and subtle presence symbolize resilience, hope, and the pursuit of emancipation. Drawn from my study of Libyan women entrepreneurs, the image captures how these women, though marginalized and endangered, forge conflict-safe zones and mutual empowerment networks. Through their ventures, they find strength not only to survive but to create social impact and rewrite what it means to lead in crisis. The contrast between the devastated landscape and the calm determination of the woman reflects a key finding of my work: even in the harshest environments, women are not just enduring—they are building, healing, and transforming
Was your image created using Generative AI?
No.
How was your image created?
This image was created by digitally layering two original photographs, both captured using Samsung Note20 Ultra. The background photo, depicting a bombed and crumbling urban landscape, was taken in a conflict-affected neighborhood to illustrate the physical aftermath of war and instability. The foreground image of the woman was taken in a different setting associated with moments of reflection, support, and perseverance among women navigating entrepreneurship amid conflict. Using GIMP’s layering and opacity tools, I overlaid the woman’s image on top of the ruins and adjusted the transparency to 65%. This technique allowed me to visually express the tension between dangers and resilience themes that emerged from the lived experiences shared in my research.
Where is the image located?
The image is a digital composition created using two original photographs. The background photo, showing a bombed and crumbling urban landscape, was taken in a conflict-affected neighborhood in Libya—the broader setting that underpins my research—capturing the physical devastation that forms the backdrop of everyday life. The foreground image of the woman was taken in a different setting associated with moments of emotional support and reflection among women navigating life and entrepreneurship in conflict. These two photos were layered on top of each other using GIMP software, with the upper image set to 65% transparency. Though captured in different physical locations, both photos originate from the same context of entrepreneurship during violent conflict, reflecting the lived realities that inform and inspire this research.