My Reflections on Tanzania: 4 Days of Empowerment Through Photography

As I sit down to pen my thoughts about the last week spent in Tanzania after delivering our 4-day Cameras For Girls workshop, I am filled with an overwhelming sense of pride and gratitude. My name is Amina Mohamed, and I am the founder and executive director of this initiative that has taken root and is flourishing in the heart of Tanzania. Cameras For Girls is not just a project to me; it's a dream realized—a dream of empowering young women to reach their goals through the art of photography.

Amina and the girls in a practical session practicing shutter priority

Expanding Horizons: From Uganda to Tanzania

Before coming to Tanzania for this workshop, we have worked and will continue to work in Uganda. In Uganda alone, we have empowered 64 young women who desire to enter the male-dominated spaces of journalism and photography. 75% of them now have full-time paid work in journalism and other media-related careers. The impact of Cameras For Girls is not confined to borders; it's a movement that transcends geographical boundaries, empowering young women across Africa to break free from societal constraints and pursue their passions.

Through the last five years, we have not only worked with young women who wish to enter the media world, but we have also worked with young women across Africa who come to us wanting to learn how to tell their stories and explore the opportunities that exist within their cultural constraints that the women's role plays in society.

Skills Beyond Photography

Education has always been the key to empowerment in my eyes and is also a way for people to escape the crippling clutches of poverty. Cameras For Girls is not just about handing out cameras; it's about imparting knowledge and skills that can transform lives. We go beyond teaching the technical aspects of photography. In our workshops, these young women learn valuable skills such as storytelling, business, and networking skills. They even discover the power of building a LinkedIn profile and using it to increase their networks.

But it goes beyond skills building—we empower them to say no to systemic harassment in the media. We empower them to gain confidence in themselves, their abilities, and their inner power to overcome defined gender-based cultural barriers. They came screaming into this world, as did we all, so why should they be denied the use of their voices?

Cultural Transformation: Challenging Norms

Tanzania, like many other places around the world, has its share of gender norms that restrict the potential of women. Cameras For Girls is my way of challenging these norms, of saying that every girl deserves the opportunity to explore her creativity and tell her story. It's about fostering a cultural shift that recognizes and celebrates the value of female voices.

During the 4-day workshop, we delved into the challenges women face in male-dominated fields like journalism, communications, and photography. I encouraged them to be confident when fighting for their rights, challenging the cultural norms that dictate they should accept the status quo. It's a practice I will continue to challenge, urging these young women to do the same.

But we went one step further. A few days after our workshop ended, we hosted a 1-day seminar with The Tanzania Media Women's Association (TAMWA). We invited media owners, editors, and journalists to the table to have an open dialogue and learn about why there is a lack of women at the table in positions of power. It was a complex topic to broach because both sides either refused to acknowledge the challenge or were unwilling, but eventually, after a lot of coaching, they started to open up and share experiences, and the day became one of hope and resilience.

Photography as a Catalyst for Change

Photography is not just about capturing images; it's a powerful tool for change. Through the lens, these young women will capture the essence of their lives, challenging stereotypes and contributing to a narrative that goes beyond societal expectations. Seeing how a single photograph can spark conversations and inspire others to see the world differently is heartening.

One of the most rewarding aspects of Cameras For Girls is the sense of community it has fostered. These young women are not just students in a workshop; they are forming connections, supporting each other, and creating a network that extends far beyond the camera lens. As they join the weekly Zoom sessions and the WhatsApp group with former students, they build upon this sense of community and realize that they are not that different from their sisters across the continent. It's beautiful to witness the bonds being formed and the encouragement they offer one another.

A Global Movement of Empowerment and Education

As I see the incredible work that these young photographers produce, I am filled with pride. Cameras For Girls is not just a local initiative; it's a global movement to showcase the talent and creativity of these young women. The success stories emerging from this project testify to what happens when you provide the right tools and opportunities.

Cameras For Girls is my passion, purpose, and contribution to a world where every girl's voice must be heard and celebrated. As I look back on the journey so far, I am inspired by the resilience and creativity of these young women. Together, we are capturing dreams, one photograph at a time. I am excited to see the continued impact Cameras For Girls will have on the lives of the incredible young women of Tanzania and others across Africa.

Furthermore, in line with our commitment to make and create a lasting impact, Cameras For Girls actively contributes to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Our initiative addresses SDGs #1 (No Poverty), #5 (Gender Equality), #8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), and #17 (Partnerships for the Goals). By empowering women through education, breaking gender norms, fostering economic growth, and encouraging collaboration, we strive to create positive change on a global scale. Through the lens of Cameras For Girls, we not only capture moments but contribute to a brighter, more inclusive future for women across Africa and beyond.