Nancy Durrell McKenna

A committed advocate for women’s global health through film and photography to educate and inspire change.

Celebrating 21 years with SafeHands

Nancy Durrell McKenna
Nancy Durrell McKenna

Biography

An interview with Nancy is inspiring

“Travel, photography and film are my passions. Through the lens, I have explored globally various cultures and traditions. Photography and film are powerful communication tools that supersede the limitations imposed by literacy and language. They can enhance, inspire and empower us to take action.”

“I continue to marvel at the power and ‘beauty’ of Nancy’s work. Her contributions to women globally through advocacy is difficult to quantify, but is huge.”

Tony Falconer

Past President of Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, UK

“Nancy is the mother for all mothers in Ethiopia.”

Aemero Tenagne MPH

Community Lead for SafeHands Labour at the Last Mile, Maternity Waiting Homes project, Amhara Ethiopia

“There is no subject too difficult or taboo for Nancy to tackle.”

Professor Dame Lesley Regan

Women’s Health Ambassador for England

Partners

Storytelling Through the Lens

Nancy Durrell McKenna is the Founder of SafeHands, A UK charitable incorporated organisation 118646.

Photographic Exhibitions

MUJER (WOMAN), Granada, Spain

October 5 – December 3, 2023

MUJER (WOMAN), La Coruña, Spain

March 2023

The exhibition, MUJER, launched International Women’s Day, 8 March 2023 in the pedestrian street Calle Compostela, in the heart of La Coruña, NW Spain.

“It was a dream realised. If you have a message, take it to the street.” –Nancy Durrell McKenna

The exhibition sparked dialogue about important women’s issues and paid tribute to the ordinary women who have played a role in their countries, communities, and families and who are committed to a more gender equal world.

Meet some of the individuals who shared their insights about the exhibition on NDM instagram page.

In SafeHands Exhibition

The travelling exhibition continues to inspire and raise awareness of important themes that affect women and girls globally.

Photos from The College of Medicine, La Coruña Spain / Colegio Oficial de Médicos, de A Coruña España
February 2022

Upcoming Exhibitions

Fundación CajaGranada, Granada Spain
More information to come.

Permanent Exhibitions

Touched by a Midwife and One Aspect of Woman photographic exhibitions depict the extraordinary form of the pregnant body with the skill and love of a Midwife. These photographs have been purchased by the Whittington Hospital Trust to adorn the walls of its Birth Centre 2021.

Touched by a Midwife Exhibition

Elizabeth Garrett Anderson Wing, University College Hospital, London, UK
2019

One Aspect of Woman

The Cutting Tradition

This moving and sensitive documentary narrated by Oscar winning actor Meryl Streep, highlights, in a non judgmental way, the complex social, religious, cultural and economic issues which underpin the ongoing practice of female genital mutilation (FGM).

Watch the Film in English

Watch the Film in Spanish

“Nancy’s images reveal an empathy, an artistic quality that transcends photojournalism.”

— Maty Grunberg