Photography is my true passion which I also find fulfilling. On arriving in India I was amazed at the strength the 'Real' Women of India portrayed. Wherever I have travelled throughout India, I cannot get over the resilience that these women show in their everyday life. Amongst a sea of humans the emotions of these women shine above the pollution, crowds or extreme conditions and you cannot help but admire such outlooks on life. The best way I know how to capture this paradox of these emotions is through photography and I wanted to share some of these jewels of individuals with the world.

So why did I choose to associate my show's The 'Real' Women of India with ROKO Cancer? Like many of you reading this article I have been touched with loved ones who have suffered Breast Cancer, some fortunate to beat this disease, and some not so fortunate. I have seen the strength that these women show while fighting this affliction, an inner strength that I can only imagine, or indeed that, even they did not realize they had. These unique strengths are also shown within the 'Real' Women of India working in extreme conditions, carrying heavy loads daily to earn a living to go back and feed their families.

ROKO Cancer was founded by a wonderful gentleman, APS Chawla who sadly lost his wife at a young age to Breast Cancer and has now devoted his life to educating and making awareness of this disease to help women identify abnormalities at an early stage. The focus of ROKO Cancer in India is to reach out to females in the suburban and rural areas, to provide them with education and also examinations. Currently ROKO Cancer has one mobile unit that is taken around such areas but India is huge and one unit is not sufficient to address all the regions. The proceeds from the sale of selected framed photographs sold at the shows are fully donated to this cause. Watch this space for updates on my 'Real' Women of India Shows throughout 2010.

For further information about The 'Real' Women of India and ROKO Cancer visitwww.elleje.com

Lesley Saunders

On stepping upon the shores of India at the end of January 2009, I was instantly intrigued by the richness of the Indian Culture. Over a short period of time I became aware of the extreme strength and resilience of the "Real" Women of India. Having been privileged to work around the globe in both rich pretentious countries like Dubai to geographies such as Africa, I had the opportunity of learning about the cultures of every country I worked in. Nothing has moved me more than what I have seen in India. Travelling through the south and other parts of the country, I encountered many women that intrigued me, but also at times made me feel inadequate. I was struck by the strength of the women that I came upon on my way to Pondicherry, carrying heavy loads while working in the salt flats and although the lines on their face and the pain in their eyes portrayed a hard life, they still had the strength to chat and laugh. Becoming aware of my presence, they all had beaming smiles .............so difficult to get a photograph of them not posing. What wonderful outlooks. Yet, if we more fortunate females had to endure the same condition, I am sure we would not have the same energy to smile and wave as they did. The young mum pedalling at speed to get her child to school with such a look of determination, made me stop and think about the luxury where we would just put our children into the back seat of the car and if one had a problem, rescue was only a phone call away or park the car and keep the child at home. No strenuous pedalling or seeking other ways to get our child to school.

I was mesmerized watching an over 80 year old walking upright and proud as she climbed a steep hill and although her back was towards me there was no mistake about her fitness and agility. It appears that whatever is dished out to these wonderful women, they quickly adapt and overcome the obstacles that challenge their way. Wherever I travel I remain surprised and see inner strengths throughout. I watched the vendors plying their trade and identified their pensive looks when they had that rare moment of relief, many dreaming of better times with hope. These experiences made me feel that it was important to capture them on camera and share them with others. Such encounters have touched so many of my inner emotions that I hadn't realised I had, and I felt it deeply important that I share these portrayals with the world to get the message out about the real strength that can be called upon when needed and this complemented perfectly a cause that is very important and dear to my heart - Breast Cancer Awareness. Hence my choice of Roko Cancer. Like many, I have watched people I love and respect, fight this disease showing such strength and resilience that they or I never knew they had and with which I relate to the strength of the "real" women of India. I am humbled with the support I have had for my debut portrayal from many quarters and I sincerely hope that my insignificant contribution to a worthy cause will be accepted.

Lesley Saunders