The Women.
Their Stories. Their Stage.

"I love circus because it is my life. Even though I have gone through ups and downs, I don't want to stop performing."

"Pursuing circus training wasn't always easy. As the eldest sibling, my parents initially didn't want me to join because they needed me to stay home and help care for my younger siblings."

"For me, the circus is a place where I can be myself — or anyone I want to be. It's a space that allows me to express myself through the arts in any possible way."

"I want to learn, become more independent, and have experiences to share when I come back home."

"I love when I'm on stage showing people the things that make me feel free and safe."

"I am an ambitious and spontaneous individual who loves helping others and spreading joy through my work in circus."

"My passion drives me to constantly seek new challenges and opportunities for growth."

"What I enjoy most about performing is that I can be the voice of the voiceless."

"It was a complicated moment — because of the choice I made to be a circus artist. In African culture, it is not judged as a profession that a woman can pursue."

"Marietou aims to revolutionize the environment by training future generations of women artists."

"In developing countries there is more focus on men. Once I get this opportunity, I will be a pioneer to girls in my community and help them become international circus artists."

"I have performed at different stages in Ethiopia, Turkey, and India."

"I am supporting my parents from my monthly income from circus performance."

"I would like to inspire girls from my neighborhood to join the circus and change their life."

"I always loved to do acrobatics, cheerleading, gymnastics. I used to try things at home alone because we didn't have enough money for me to take classes."

"I decided to give it my all and become a professional — dedicate my life to my sport. I am so excited for the next chapters."