Let's embark on a feminine world tour to bring out the contrasts of our contemporary world: expect portraits of women without filters where beauty, strength, resilience, and mystery transpire.
From ethnic tribes to fierce-looking protests for Argentina's legal abortion laws, each finalist picture tells the moving story of strong, independent and brave women all over the world.
#1 My Grandma With Her New Friend
Over the past few years, many studies have proved that pet can help cure loneliness.
By @xyzheart, Salai Van Lian Mang (Myanmar)
By @xyzheart, Salai Van Lian Mang (Myanmar)
255points
These 50 photographers have shared their unique point of view to have their shot at the crucial question 'What is a woman?' and have been selected among more than 12,250 submissions in the #Women2019 Photo Contest by AGORA images, a free-to-use photography app that has been rewarding the world’s biggest prizes in global photo contests since 2017.
#2 Batik
As the sunlight gets through the ceiling, this woman completes her Batik painting, one of Indonesia's most ancient craft. By @letyliza, Lety Liza (Indonesia)
199points
#3 Old Ladies
A 67-year-old friendship between these two Chin women. By @tunpaingaung, TunPaingAung (Myanmar)
190points
The Women2019 photo contest takes viewers on a feminine tour with images of women worldwide. Showcasing stories of powerful, independent and brave women from all over the globe, from all walks of life. The contest aims to allow the artists the opportunity to express their answers to the question “what is a woman?”
#4 Old Woman
Traditional face tattoo from the Chin tribe, settling near the Bangladesh/Myanmar border. In an attempt to protect their daughters from being stolen by neighboring tribes, parents would tattoo their young child's face to intend to make them undesirable for other tribes. This practice is no longer permitted by the Burmese authorities. By @yepyaesoehlaing, Ye Pyae Soe Hlaing (Myanmar)
162points
#5 Champa Eyes
Upon a visit to Phan Rang city, the photographer got impressed with this little girl's eyes. Her name is Sapa from the Champa ethnic minority group (she's wearing the traditional scarf). Her brothers and sisters have whether brown or blue eyes, she has both. By @Tuanngocphoto, Do Tuang (Vietnam)
148points
Adeel Chishti with his photograph "Hidden Beauty" was voted the winner of the “Women 2019” contest.
In the finalist photographs, we were looking above all for them to be powerful and inspiring, just as women are. The images had to show the enormous strength, bravery and beauty (not only exterior but above all interior) of all the women.
#6 Life
When two or more women gather an economy is built. When there is equality, there is a quality of life. By @eighthman, Michael Aboya (Ghana)
147points
#7 Women Protesting For Legal Abortion In Argentina
This photo was taken in front of Argentina's National Congress where thousands of women marched to claim for their rights. Although the bill was approved by the chamber of deputies, the Senate rejected it - today, abortion remains illegal in Argentina. By @franciscopaez, Francisco Paez (Argentina)
137points
#8 The Queen
“I love to see a young girl go out and grab the world by the lapels. You’ve got to go out and kick ass.”— Maya Angelou. By @johnnydee, Huang di (China)
130points
#9 Focus
Carnival celebrations in Kendari City. By @bobbykuen, Boby Kuen (Indonesia)
127points
#10 My Grandmother
The photographer spotted this grandmother during a visit to the Tây Ninh temple. By @andylam, Andy Lam (Vietnam)
123points
#11 Share Ice
Pupils sharing an ice lollipop during the school break. By @rustamawat, Rustam Awat (Indonesia)
117points
#12 Women Talk
There's always something to chat about with these old friends. By @marcelvanbalken, Marcel Van Balken (Netherlands)
111points
#13 Hidden Beauty
"We realize the importance of our voices only when we are silenced." — Malala Yousafzai. By @adeelchishti, Adeel Chishti (Pakistan)
108points
#14 The Confidence Of A Woman
"The most alluring thing a woman can have is confidence." - Beyoncé. By @kobbykatalist, Ishmael Amuzu-Quaidoo (Ghana)
107points
#15 Darkness
The shot was taken in the woods near Kojori on a cold and foggy winter morning.
By @damiane, Nika Pailodze (Georgia)
By @damiane, Nika Pailodze (Georgia)
107points
#16 Women
“Don’t let anyone speak for you, and don’t rely on others to fight for you.”—Michelle Obama. By @birazhayalci, Kaan Türker (Turkey)
105points
#17 Beauty Of Rajasthan
The Indian State of Rajasthan is the unity of colorful festivals, costumes, and folk songs and dances. By @emrahuygun, Emrah Uygun (Turkey)
102points
#18 Generation
Kayan women, also known as 'giraffe women' traditionally wear neck-rings from the age of 8. The photographer captured here a sweet mother-daughter moment. By @wadiaye, Wadi Aye (Myanmar)
101points
#19 Sea Of Nets
Today, more than 640 000 tons of these fishing nets are circulating among our oceans. By @leemumford8, Lee Mumford (UK)
99points
#20 The Women Of Bagan
Lacquerware is one of Myanmar's traditional handicrafts, with a very unique style and a long tradition dating back to the 13th Century. By @fabiansaw, Saw Fabian
92points