a selman project

It’s no secret that every nation has its own unique culture, demographics, and associated social issues. Unfortunately, sometimes our perception of many countries is shaped most by the negative issues which bubble up in the media. Worse still, is that many countries go both unheard of and unheard by the larger world.

Thankfully, every nation equally produces individuals who devote and sacrifice themselves to the principles of peace, freedom, and equality. The Peace Post project began as a means to shine a light on individuals from around the globe who are champions of peace.

As a starting point, we determined that every sovereign nation should be represented in the project with a few key disputed states entered at our discretion. As a referential guide for each illustration, we profiled each country with a keen eye on the progression of traditional and contemporary visual styles associated with the art and culture.

In choosing which individual to profile for each country, we first referenced Nobel Peace Prize Laureates, notable omissions, and various other international peace awards looking for potential candidates. In several cases when a nation was not represented by a winner of a major peace award, we used our own research to find an individual who represented associated ideals and actions of peace advocacy.

We elected to represent the chosen individuals as a series of stamps for several reasons. Stamps have a long history of commemorating important people and events. Stamps are collectible and shareable. Perhaps most importantly, stamps represent a vehicle of correspondence and dialogue.

Our goal was to learn more about these countries, the positive people there, and share their stories with you.

For more information please contact:
chris@selmandesign.com
peacepost on instagram:
@projectpeacepost
Copyright and disclaimer
The content of this web site contains information, photographs, and media intended solely for educational purposes.

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Hewan Areaya

  • Ethiopia
  • Human Rights, Women’s Rights

Hewan Areaya, an Ethiopian feminist activist and human rights professional, brings over six years of experience working with national and international organizations to advance the rights of marginalized groups, particularly women with disabilities, women in conflict regions, and refugees. Holding both a law degree from Addis Ababa University and a Master of Laws (LLM) from the University of Wisconsin, Hewan’s career has been marked by impactful roles, including program officer at a U.S. refugee resettlement agency, where she ensured compliance with federal grant requirements, and her involvement with Women Enabled International, where she advocated for women and gender non-conforming individuals with disabilities during the COVID-19 pandemic. In Ethiopia, Hewan co-founded Siiqqee Scholars, a women’s rights initiative committed to empowering young girls through education, managing grants, training programs, and donation campaigns. Her dedication also extended to addressing period poverty by mobilizing resources to provide menstrual hygiene products for 1300 Ethiopian women and girls in conflict areas, highlighting her tireless commitment to social justice and equality.

Ethiopia

  • Population
    102,374,044
  • Capital
    Addis Ababa
  • GDP (PPP)
    $1,995
  • May 28, 1991
  • Total Area
    1,104,300 km2 (27th)
  • Demonym
    Ethiopian
  • Government
    Federal parliamentary republic

Artwork

This vibrant portrait of Hewan Areaya, a dedicated feminist activist and human rights professional, celebrates her unwavering commitment to social justice. The bold and bright colors that frame the refined central portrait represent the passion and vitality she brings to her work. The intricate background pattern, inspired by traditional Ethiopian basket weaving, serves as a symbolic tapestry of unity and cultural heritage, reinforcing the importance of embracing diversity in the fight for equality and human rights.

  • Illustration by
    Jess Brett