Joyce Mollan's Journey from Amateur to Pro Photographer

Joyce Mollan's journey is a story of resilience, determination, and breaking down barriers. When she entered the Cameras For Girls year-long 4-phase program in 2022, she carried a passion for photography but lacked the technical expertise needed to earn an income as a photojournalist. Little did she know, this program would become her launching pad into a career opportunity in a world where women are often underrepresented and underestimated. Today, Joyce's story stands as a powerful reminder of the challenges women face in male-dominated spaces and the incredible heights they can reach when given the opportunity to thrive. 

Image Joyce Mollan took through her work at The Duncan Africa Society

Beginnings of a Passion

Joyce's love for photography was more than just a hobby; it was a statement of her desire to navigate spaces traditionally reserved for men. In 2022, while studying journalism and communications at Makerere University in Kampala, Uganda, she bravely stepped into Cameras For Girls, a program designed to empower young women seeking paid work in male-dominated media.  

Although she had an eye for capturing moments, she lacked the technical finesse needed to truly excel. For Joyce, this program was more than just learning camera settings; it was about stepping into a world that often seemed out of reach. The journey was not without its challenges. Joyce faced technical hurdles, societal stereotypes, and the daunting reality of being a woman in a field dominated by men.

As she learned to manipulate settings and master composition, she also learned to navigate the subtle biases and expectations that often come with being a female photographer.

A Transformative Experience 

Within Cameras For Girls, Joyce discovered a transformative experience beyond photography lessons; she found a supportive community of like-minded women and mentors who recognized her potential. In a patriarchal society where gender roles rigidly define women's paths, this program provided more than just technical skills; it offered a sanctuary for Joyce's growth and empowerment and a place to define her goals on her terms. In a field where women are often sidelined or their contributions overlooked, Cameras For Girls stands as a beacon of gender equality. 

Here, Joyce wasn't just learning to capture images; she was learning to amplify her voice and perspective. The program encouraged her to break free from societal constraints, to challenge the norms that confined women's ambitions, and to see herself as a valuable force in a traditionally male-dominated industry. Surrounded by peers who shared her passion and mentors who championed her talent, Joyce found herself in a community that believed in the power of women's voices. Together, they shatter stereotypes and push the boundaries of what women can achieve in photography and the visual media arts. 

Cameras For Girls isn't just about teaching photography; it is about fostering a culture of inclusivity, where every girl's vision matters, and every click of the camera becomes a step towards gender equality in the arts. 

Learning to Value Herself 

Through dedication and relentless pursuit of her passion, Joyce's skills blossomed. She mastered the technical aspects of photography and developed a unique style. Her photographs became more than just images; they were statements, challenging the norms and stereotypes that often confine women to male-dominated fields. 

However, learning to value herself in a society that does not value women's contributions was a challenge. While finding herself with the incredible opportunity to become a led photographer for a men's football club, a position once seen as unattainable for women in Uganda, she had to learn how to navigate the low pay offered. By working with Cameras For Girls, she knew how to demand fair pay equal to her male counterparts and to assess all the costs that go into a job, such as time on the pitch taking photos, editing time, and travel to and from the games. 

Joyce confidently states her hourly cost and her photography talent earns her a steady income. Her images grace the clubs' social media platforms, capturing the intensity and beauty of the game through her lens. In a field where women are often relegated to the sidelines, Joyce stands at the forefront, breaking barriers with every shot. 

Documenting Change 

Joyce's impact doesn't stop there. Last year, she began collaborating with a Canadian charity, The Duncan Africa Society in Uganda. This charity, dedicated to sustainable practices, employs local talent to craft guitars from local wood. 

Joyce's role? 

To document their inspiring work through her lens. Through her photographs, Joyce doesn't just capture moments; she captures narratives of change. Her images tell the stories of the artisans crafting guitars, the joy on their faces as they work with their hands, and the impact on the community. She is not just a photographer; she is a storyteller, a voice for the voiceless, and a champion for women's empowerment. 

From Amateur to Pro

Joyce Mollan's journey from amateur to pro is a story of breaking barriers, challenging stereotypes, and rewriting the narrative for women in male-dominated spaces. Cameras For Girls provided her with the tools, but Joyce's unwavering spirit propelled her to success. Today, she continues to inspire, not just with her photographs but with her story. She is a reminder that when women are allowed to thrive, they can soar to incredible heights and pave the way for others to follow. 

Call To Action

Joyce's story is a powerful reminder of women's challenges in male-dominated spaces and the importance of programs like Cameras For Girls. If you know a young girl passionate about photography or any other male-dominated field, encourage her to pursue it fearlessly. Let's continue to break barriers, challenge stereotypes, and create a world where gender equality isn't just a dream but a reality. Together, we can empower the next generation of women leaders, innovators, and changemakers. Please consider donating to support Cameras For Girls because when we invest in girls and women, we invest in a brighter, more inclusive future for all.