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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Jaha Dukureh

  • Gambia
  • Children's Rights, Human Rights, Women’s Rights

Jaha Dukureh, a survivor of female genital mutilation (FGM) and forced child marriage, is a prominent advocate for women’s and children’s rights in Africa. Through her NGO “Safe Hands for Girls,” she supports those affected by FGM and raises awareness about its lifelong impacts. Her efforts prompted President Obama’s administration to investigate FGM in the United States, resulting in the Summit to End FGM. Dukureh’s advocacy and mobilization in Gambia led to the government’s ban on FGM. Recognized as the Regional UN Women Ambassador for Africa, she has been listed among Time Magazine’s most influential people and nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize, solidifying her status as a leader in the fight for human rights

Gambia

  • Population
    2,009,648
  • Capital
    Banjul
  • GDP (PPP)
    $1,664
  • February 18, 1965
  • Total Area
    10,689 km2 (164th)
  • Demonym
    Gambian
  • Government
    Unitary presidential republic

Artwork

This portrait centers on Jaha Dukereh’s efforts in using her experience and voice as a survivor to end FGM and child marriage in Africa. The connecting hands represent Jaha’s NGO, “Safe Hands for Girls,” which provides support to African women and girls who are survivors of FGM and addresses its lifelong harmful physical and psychological consequences.

  • Illustration by
    Jess Brett