CNN —A place for women, by women: that’s what Umoja, a village in Samburu County, northern Kenya, represents. Founded in 1990 as a sanctuary for women of Samburu escaping gender-based violence, Umoja is home to females of all ages. Tourists who wish to visit Umoja are charged a small entrance fee, and can buy elaborate beaded jewellery and other crafts handmade by the Samburu women. Photographer Paul Ninson, pictured during a visit to Kenya, wants to capture images that "provoke thought and discussion about important topics." CNNStanton, who attended Dikan’s opening, said watching Ninson build the center was “surreal.”“He has stepped into a leadership role so effortlessly and intuitively.

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Persons: Umoja, Paul Ninson, Paul, Ninson, ”, we’ve, ” Ninson, Brandon Stanton, Stanton, he’s, CNN Stanton, ” Stanton, “ Organizations: CNN, Tourists, International Center of Photography, Dikan Locations: Samburu County, Kenya, Samburu, Umoja, Africa, Ethiopia, Ghana, New York, Ghana’s, Accra –, Accra