Gerrie Mifsud, Ria (PEOPLE & PORTRAIT 2024)

In this photograph, we capture the delicate transition of an 11-year-old girl navigating the complex terrain between childhood and adolescence. Her tall stature and mature appearance often lead us to forget that she is still very much a child, grappling with the innocence of youth while trying to fit into a world that sees her as older than she is. This image encapsulates her quiet strength and the subtle vulnerability of a young girl on the cusp of a new chapter, reminding us to cherish and support her journey with understanding and compassion.

Images have been resized for web display, which may cause some loss of image quality. Note: Original high-resolution images are used for judging.