23rd Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest People
The Power Beneath Thirst

In the drought-stricken coastal region of southern Bangladesh, women walk miles each day to collect a limited supply of clean drinking water from a single tap that operates at a fixed time. The cracked earth beneath their feet, the long line of metal pitchers, and the unwavering patience in their eyes speak volumes of a life lived in scarcity — and strength. I tried to capture the unseen power within these women — their resilience, unity, and quiet defiance against a changing climate and unequal access to basic resources. They are not just waiting for water. They are standing for survival.

Photo Detail
Date Taken: 04.2025
Date Uploaded: 12.2025
Photo Location: Bangladesh
Camera: L2D-20c
Copyright: © Pinu Rahman