5 Ways To Use The Art Of Photography To Empower Women In Africa
In many parts of Africa, women are still not treated equally to men regarding their opportunities and rights, especially their participation in society as artists or in leadership positions. However, through the art of photography, many women in Africa are finding ways to empower themselves and their families. In this article, you'll learn about five ways photography can empower African women and give them greater access to healthcare, education, family planning and food resources. All of which can help them improve their personal lives and strengthen the communities they live in.
Empowerment starts with self-esteem.
In the media, African women are often portrayed as victims of rape, sex trafficking, and discrimination. But art can help to change this perception by empowering women and making them visible in the world of photography.
Photography can empower women in Africa by helping them see themselves in a new light. Too often, women (and girls) are told they are neither good enough, smart enough, or pretty. But when they see themselves through the lens of a camera, they can start to see themselves in a new light. As they begin to see themselves as strong and beautiful, their self-esteem will grow. And empowerment starts with self-esteem.
Build confidence by learning photography
Learning photography can be empowering for women in Africa. It can help build confidence and document important stories and events. Photography can also help challenge stereotypes and fight for gender equality. By sharing their stories and experiences through photos, women can help educate and inspire others to work towards female empowerment.
For instance, when we teach photography to our female students in Africa through Cameras For Girls, we can see their eyes light up and their confidence soars. Not only do they learn how to manipulate the camera settings, but they use the camera as a tool to tell those stories they strive to tell: stories that empower them and their fellow African females.
One of our students, Faith, was astounded by her feelings after receiving a certificate of completion from the 4-day workshop she attended in Uganda. She said it was her first certificate, and it meant the world to her that we had invested time and money to teach her a skill that would empower her to find meaningful work. Her confidence was boosted, and she is now determined to keep learning and improving.
Faith with her certificate after the Cameras For Girls workshop in Uganda
Inspiring others by sharing their story
The power of storytelling is something that should not be underestimated. When people share their stories, it can inspire others to do the same. This is especially important for African women, who often face discrimination and lack of opportunity. By sharing their stories through photography, they can help fight for gender equality and give voice to those who often go unheard.
For instance, one of my students, Vivian Agaba, is currently a freelance writer and focuses on writing about gender issues, health and children's issues. She has found it challenging to find full-time work after COVID, so instead of sitting back and letting others determine her fate, she has started speaking about things that affect African women in Ugandan society. I applaud her bravery as it is never easy to talk about these things in a closed community such as Uganda; however, change is happening, and women are inspiring others by sharing these important topics and stories.
Using Photography for Advocacy
With all the attention being put on the challenges of African women in the media, you would think that there was more awareness of women's issues than ever before, but the truth is not so clear.
Below are just a few ways to advocate for gender equality in Africa using the art of photography:
African women face many challenges, including gender-based violence, lack of access to education and healthcare, and poverty. Using a combination of photography and storytelling, women in Africa can shed more light on these issues and affect change.
Photographs can also be used to celebrate the strength and resilience of African women. Not all stories are sad- so many success stories are coming out of Africa. Highlighting these positive stories helps women overcome bias and change the narrative from negative to positive.
Sharing photos of African women on social media and other platforms can help change the narrative about what it means to be a woman in Africa, in all her glory.
Photography can be used to document and spread awareness of the stories of African women who are fighting for their rights.
Photographs can be used to promote African women-owned businesses and products, bringing them to the marketplace and allowing these women to be self-reliant.
Finally, photographs can be taken and shared by African women as a form of self-expression and empowerment.
Equal the playing field
Empowering women through photography can help to equal the playing field in many different arenas, including breaking down stereotypes and misconceptions about women and their abilities. It can give a voice to those who may not have one and provide education and advocacy tools. More importantly, the use of photography can celebrate the achievements of African women and serve as an inspiration for others.
When we started Cameras For Girls, our goal was simply to provide access to photography training for marginalized females in Uganda who could not get jobs because they did not own a camera and did not know how to use it. Four years on, it has become something even bigger than that. It has become a platform where our students find support, camaraderie, fellowship and empowerment in all its forms.
Female empowerment and African women are both hot topics right now, and one way to help both of these issues at once is by using the art of photography to get more African women in the picture.
Please visit our website to learn more about how you can help put a camera in the hands of more females across Africa.
Please visit our website to learn more about how you can help put a camera in the hands of more females across Africa.
Photography can empower women in Africa by helping them see themselves in a new light. Too often, women (and girls) are told they are neither good enough, smart enough, or pretty. But when they see themselves through the lens of a camera, they can start to see themselves in a new light. As they begin to see themselves as strong and beautiful, their self-esteem will grow. And empowerment starts with self-esteem.
Photography can empower women in Africa by helping them see themselves in a new light. Too often, women (and girls) are told they are neither good enough, smart enough, or pretty. But when they see themselves through the lens of a camera, they can start to see themselves in a new light. As they begin to see themselves as strong and beautiful, their self-esteem will grow. And empowerment starts with self-esteem.