New York-based photographer Dan Nelken’s new book “HeadStrong: The Women of Rural Uganda” (Kehrer Verlag) is a collection of 62 portraits and 36 stories celebrating the strength of rural Ugandan women, who work hard to provide for their families despite enduring civil war, insurgencies, and a struggling economy.

Nelken made the portraits during three separate trips between the cities of Layibi, Jinja, and Gulu. He was introduced to some of the subjects via Oysters & Pearls Uganda, a nongovernmental organization his wife volunteers with that supports education and advocates for women. Other subjects he met in markets or through other contacts.

On his second trip, he began collaborating with Ugandan author Beatrice Lamwaka. While he set up his portable studio, Lamwaka spoke with each portrait subject and earned their trust, which helped Nelken capture more engaging photos, he writes. For each portrait, he tried to include items that represented the subject’s work, and when possible, he used a mosquito net as a backdrop so that their surroundings were softly obscured but still visible.

His intention is to foster a deeper understanding of the challenges these women face, he writes. “It was an honor to be present for them.” 

Amanda Arnold is a senior editor.