Sharon Eilon is a photographer based in Israel, specializing in documentary photography, street photography and photojournalism. Her journey into photography began after a health crisis that led her to seek treatment in India. This transformative experience not only restored his health, but also changed his outlook on life. The expression “enjoy life” became a real motivation for her to pursue her passions, with photography becoming her greatest love.
Intrigued by the diversity and commonalities of the human experience, Sharon seeks to capture the rich spectrum of life, celebrating both its wonders and its difficulties. As a visual storyteller, she focuses on the daily lives of people around the world, documenting societies and cultures through the individuals within them.
His works have been exhibited in galleries around the world, including Paris, Tokyo, Barcelona, Rome, Milan, Venice, Athens and Tel Aviv. They have been featured in notable photography publications such as Dodho Magazine’s “Color Awards Book 2023”, “Urban Unveils the City and Its Secrets”, FonoNostrum Magazine, The Pictorial-List, and many others.
Sharon’s photography has been recognized in numerous international competitions, winning awards such as finalist for best series in the Exibart Street competition (4th edition), a gold medal at PISPA 2023, an honorable mention at IPA 2023, finalist at the Urban Photo Awards 2023, a gold medal at PX3 2022 and category winner of the 20th JMCA awards.
Website: www.sharoneilon.com
Instagram: @sharon.eilon.photography
“Women of Valor”
The role of women in monotheist religions
Elion’s photographic series focuses on exploring diverse religions and cultures while highlighting their common humanity. It highlights that while the practice of religion is most often a right and an obligation for men, the presence of women during important religious events remains limited. In this ongoing project, titled “Women of Valor,” the intention is to highlight the contributions and experiences of women of faith.
Patricia Lanza: Tell us about the experiences of these three religions and the role of women within these religions.
-Sharon Eilon : In my visual exploration of various themes, religions and rituals stand out as particularly compelling subjects. My photography delves into the rich mosaic of different beliefs and cultures, capturing their rituals, celebrations and customs. However, after attending numerous church events, I noticed a recurring problem in my work. A review of my photographs of large gatherings in the three major monotheistic religions revealed a consistent bias: in most cases, men predominated in the photographs. Even in contemporary contexts, the role of women in these key religious events often seems marginalized. Frequently, they are on the periphery, caring for children while men engage in prayer, study or ritual practices.
How can cultural traditions shape the role of women in religious contexts, influencing their contribution?
S.E. : In many patriarchal societies, women are often marginalized and considered subordinate. While they manage the household and raise the children, important expressions of faith – such as certain rituals – are generally reserved for men. These norms leave women watching from the sidelines, seeking to express their spirituality through more discreet means. Unfortunately, this trend is a commonality among Orthodox communities of various religions, persisting despite global advances in women’s rights.
Has the fact that the rules and religious writings of Islam, Judaism and Christianity have always been written and interpreted by men had an impact on the participation of women?
S.E. : The historical dominance of men in the interpretation of religious texts has profoundly influenced the role of women in these faiths. This long-standing male surveillance has created a ripple effect, entrenching patriarchal structures within religious communities. As a result, positions of leadership and influence remain largely occupied by men, further reinforcing male dominance in religious life and rituals, diminishing women’s visibility and involvement in these areas.
What do you want to do with this series and how will you develop it in the future?
S.E. : Through this ongoing project, I wish to highlight the role of women in religious events, striving to normalize their presence in the public sphere of faith by increasing their visibility. While some women may find themselves withdrawn, others assert their desire to actively participate, constantly demonstrating their own unique expressions of devotion and spreading messages of faith and hope.
In the future, I hope to expand the series by studying the role of women in non-monotheistic religions. I am currently researching the role of women in Buddhism, aiming to capture the nuanced perspectives of Buddhist monks and scholars regarding female “thilashin” (Buddhist nuns) in Burma (Myanmar) for my next photography project.
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