AIM Resident, Zied Ben Romdhane was announced the winner of the World Press Photo 2024 Photo Contest, Africa, Long-Term Projects, for his photo The Escape.
For more information: https://www.worldpressphoto.org/collection/photo-contest/2024/Zied-Ben-Romdhane/1
Youths watch a soccer game near a chemical plant in Chott-Essalam, Gabès, Tunisia. Nearly 5,000 people work in the region’s chemical industry, but new hires from the region are low. In Gabès, unemployment stands at 24% over all and more than 50% among young people, according to figures reported in 2021 by non profit newsroom Coda Media.
Tunisia’s 2011 revolution, which catalyzed the “Arab Spring”, instilled hope in Tunisians aspiring to democracy, social justice, and freedom of expression. However, the subsequent decade witnessed political instability, persistent economic crises, and social inequality, impacting young people especially. More than 40% of Tunisia’s population is aged 15–34, with unemployment of youth under 24 at around 40%. This project explores the lives of young Tunisians and aims to contribute to discussion on including them in a better future.
Zied Ben Romdhane is an associate member of Magnum Photos, and worked with the support of the Arab Fund for Arts and Culture, the Magnum Foundation, the Prins Claus Fund and AIM LAB.