Photography Training For African Women - Empowering Them To Capture Their Own Stories
When a female in Africa seeks a job in journalism, which is typically a male-dominated space, she is required to own a camera and be able to use it to get a paid position.
Cameras For Girls was created to ensure that African women could capture their own stories and, more importantly, get paid work. We provide our female students with a camera to keep and a year-long 4-phase photography and business skills training program, empowering them to capture their stories visually.
Amina teaching the 3rd cohort of girls in Uganda
The Power of Photography to Empower African Women
Storytelling is an integral part of photography, and African women must be able to tell their own stories through their photos. Learning photography gives them the skills to capture their narratives and express themselves meaningfully.
By having access to professional photography training, African women learn the technical aspects of taking great photographs and the creative processes of visual storytelling. They can also develop their unique style and find ways to communicate their messages to the world.
Furthermore, photography can be a source of liberation in countries where women are oppressed. Through photography, they can create images that reflect their identity and experience, which can be inspiring and healing for both the photographer and her audience. This type of photography training can help African women build their confidence and empower them to share their stories with the world.
The Importance of Visual Storytelling for African Women
In a world where visual storytelling is so essential, photography training for African women provides them with the knowledge and skills necessary to make a positive impact. It enables them to capture stories from their perspective, showcasing their unique culture and experiences while inspiring others to be more aware and tolerant of different cultures. With the proper guidance, African women can use photography as a powerful tool for self-expression, allowing them to tell their own stories in a meaningful way.
One of our students in our last cohort, Melanie Nabukwasi, gained confidence by learning how to tell stories using the power of photography. She designed and self-published her first book about her culture.
"I wrote this book because I saw the need to empower young girls to believe in their culture. I grew up knowing my culture is about men being circumcised. Still, I now realize that the females do most of the work in nurturing these men who have been continuously honoured for preserving the Bamasaba culture."
She also gave us a testimonial:
"Cameras for Girls has helped me build confidence and knowledge in believing that a woman/lady can achieve anything regardless of the barriers. I will also credit its support in breaking bias in Africa (Ugandan context). It has taken a step in building me to become helpful in the community through interaction with other girls. It has also trained me in photography and writing impactful stories. I have witnessed success with the regular training and mentorship classes that Camera for Girls has held in Uganda and online."
Empowering Ugandan Women Through Photography
Currently, our work only takes place in Uganda, although we have plans to expand across Africa through partnerships with other photography-based organizations.
Uganda has a long and complex history, and African women in Uganda have faced countless injustices. Despite this, they are finding ways to make their voices heard, and stories told through the power of photography.
Photography training for African women in Uganda provides a powerful way to capture the stories that would otherwise remain untold and to empower them to tell their stories in their own words. Through these training sessions, they learn the technical aspects of photography, such as aperture, shutter speed, and ISO, and the more artistic elements of photography, like composition, lighting, and editing. They also get field training to learn how to research, interview subjects and put a story together for publication, alongside editing and marketing courses.
By learning the art and craft of photography, African women in Uganda can gain a powerful tool that will help them express themselves, share their stories, and advocate for change. Through this empowering form of self-expression, they are helping to shape a brighter future for themselves and future generations.
The Impact of Photography Training in Africa
By providing photography training to African women, we are helping them reclaim their narratives and control their own storytelling – not one dictated by old colonial practices. This form of female empowerment allows African women to become more confident in using their voices and expressing their unique perspectives. These women can be seen, heard, and valued through photography while contributing to the fight against systemic inequality.
The impact of our photography training has been significant in Africa. Forty-seven women have been trained in Uganda, and 65% have full-time paid work! We have seen massive success through only three in-person workshops and a year-long curriculum. Through our online platform, we can reach other women across Africa and are happy to support them with photography training, mentorship and more.
By empowering African women to share their stories through their own eyes, they can share their views and challenge the status quo.
At the same time, photography training empowers African women by equipping them with new skills and knowledge. By learning about photography, these women can gain valuable insights into the industry, become more tech-savvy, and access more economic opportunities. In addition, these women can use photography as a form of self-expression and personal growth, which can ultimately lead to more confidence and better life outcomes.
How To Get Involved
Cameras For Girls is a Canadian Charity that started in 2018. It seeks to empower African women and girls to tell their own stories through photography – but we take it one step further and empower them with job-creation skills. The program provides free photography training, donated cameras and supplies, and mentorship to help them create beautiful images and share their unique perspectives with the world.
It's a compelling way to promote gender equality and give women the tools they need to make their voices heard. Through Cameras For Girls, women can capture their culture, share their stories, and create meaningful art that communicates a sense of identity and belonging.
If you'd like to get involved in Cameras For Girls, there are many ways you can help: donate a camera, lend your expertise as a mentor, or even help spread the word about the initiative and our impact. Every little bit helps!