Portland State Magazine Fall 2018

21 As she took photos and heard the stories of widows, happily married and divorced women, she says she became “proud of every subject I photographed, and I want everyone to be as attached and proud as I am.” ONE of her more recent subjects was a woman who had finally gotten a divorce from her abusive husband.When the woman returned home, with papers in hand, she found the house had burned to the ground. Most likely her husband had done it, but she had no recourse. “This was sad for me emotionally, and I wanted to find an ending that was positive,” says Alsultan. It turned out that the woman became a yoga instructor, traveling back and for th to India in her newfound profession. “Saudi women are growing more confident,” says Alsultan, “and are asking for what they want, including jobs.” —written by Kathr yn Kirkland, editor 