The Power of Opportunity: Given and Taken at Cameras For Girls

Opportunities are often the forks in the road that shape our lives, but not everyone experiences these moments equally. For those of us in positions of privilege, opportunities usually present themselves in various forms—sometimes as gifts handed to us, other times as challenges we must boldly confront. We can choose how we respond, whether to embrace or reject these opportunities, knowing that our decisions can significantly impact our personal and professional paths.

However, for many who are not in positions of privilege, these forks in the road may never appear, or when they do, the options are limited and constrained by circumstances beyond their control. While those with privilege can take risks and create new paths where none seem to exist, others may find themselves without the same freedom to choose. Opportunities for them are not just about doors that open but about the systemic barriers that often keep those doors shut.

In this post, we will delve into opportunities given and taken and learn how we can create more opportunities for others to benefit while still taking advantage of opportunities that come our way.

Sheilla Clara Apio teaches the other trainees in our Train the Trainer program, Uganda

How Privilege Shapes Opportunities

In some cases, privilege means being fortunate enough to have opportunities offered by others—mentors, employers, or favourable circumstances. In other instances, it involves recognizing and seizing opportunities others might overlook. But for those without privilege, societal, economic, or cultural limitations often stifle the ability to identify or act on opportunities. Understanding this disparity is crucial as it highlights the responsibility of those with the privilege to embrace their opportunities and help create them for others who may not have the same access.

In 2017, I found myself at a significant crossroads in my career. I had been working as a mortgage agent for three years, and by all outward appearances, I was doing exceptionally well. I made good money, won awards, and worked with international real estate investors. Yet, something was missing—a sense of purpose, fulfillment, or maybe even a deeper connection to what I was doing.

In August 2017, I was given the opportunity to write my mortgage broker's exam. This was the natural next step in my career, a chance to advance, make even more money, and secure my future. But as I sat down to take the exam, I felt a wave of nausea. It wasn't fear of failing the exam; it was the realization that passing it would lock me into a path that felt suffocating. It would mean becoming another person in the rat race, working not for passion or purpose but simply for the paycheck.

At that moment, I made a choice. I put my pen down, gathered my belongings, and walked toward the door. My boss, puzzled, asked where I was going. Without hesitation, I replied, "I quit!”

Driving home that day, fear and exhilaration coursed through me. I knew I had to explain why I was leaving a lucrative career. But deep down, I understood that I was facing two distinct opportunities: the one I was given and the one I was choosing to take. The opportunity given to me was the conventional path of financial security and societal approval. The opportunity I was taking was one of uncertainty, but also potential fulfillment and self-discovery.

The Concept of Given and Taken Opportunities

Opportunities come in many forms, and how we perceive and act on them can vary greatly based on our circumstances. For those with privilege, opportunities often appear as clear choices or subtle nudges, requiring us to step out of our comfort zones. We have the luxury of deciding whether to take these opportunities, knowing that even if we fail, other chances may come our way.

But what about those who do not have this privilege? Opportunities may take work for them, and when they do, they might be fraught with far greater risk. The stakes are higher, and the consequences of failure usually more severe. It's important to recognize that while some can afford to take opportunities or even create them, others may struggle to find one that will take them out of their impoverished state.

The Reality for Young Girls in Africa

Let's shift perspective to another context—the opportunities for young girls growing up in Africa. At 14, many young women in certain regions are "given" the opportunity to get married. This is often seen as a rite of passage, a moment of pride for the family. But what is truly being taken from these young women? Their freedom, education, and the ability to choose their destinies are all sacrificed at the altar of tradition and societal expectations.

For example, in many rural parts of sub-Saharan Africa, young girls are expected to drop out of school when they reach puberty to take on domestic roles or enter into marriage. This "opportunity" to become a wife and mother at such a young age often means the end of their formal education and the closing of doors to countless possibilities. Their dreams of becoming doctors, teachers, or entrepreneurs are frequently crushed under the weight of these societal expectations.

My Journey and the Importance of Choice

Growing up in Canada, even in a strict Muslim family, I was fortunate to have different opportunities. While my upbringing was also steeped in tradition, I had the opportunity to choose who and what I would become. This freedom to make my own choices allowed me to have a remarkable 15-year career in the film and television industry, where I worked on projects that I was passionate about and that brought stories to life.

Later, I started my own successful film company, where I blended creativity with business acumen. When I transitioned into the mortgage industry, I applied the same principles of hard work and innovation, which led to a prosperous career. Finally, all these experiences and skills culminated in my decision to launch Cameras For Girls, a Canadian charity dedicated to empowering young women in Africa by teaching them photography, storytelling and business skills to help them turn their dreams of working in media into reality.

The Broader Implications of Opportunity

The question then arises—who gets to decide what opportunities are given and what are taken? When I chose to walk away from the mortgage exam, I was taking control of my narrative. But I was also aware that my ability to make such a choice came from a position of privilege—a privilege that many young women in other parts of the world do not have.

For instance, in my work with Cameras For Girls, I've met young women who are taking the opportunity to learn and grow despite societal pressures and limited resources. These women challenge the status quo, often risking their safety to pursue education and career aspirations. Their courage is a testament to the power of taking opportunities, even when they aren't readily given.

Shared Opportunities for a Better World

This brings us to a crucial point—when we give and take opportunities, we should do so with the awareness of how it affects others. Opportunity should not be a zero-sum game. When I take an opportunity to better myself or my life, it should not come at the expense of someone else. Instead, we should strive to create a world where opportunities are shared and multiplied, where we lift each other rather than compete for limited resources.

For example, when I started Cameras For Girls, my goal wasn't just to teach photography but to give young women the tools to tell their own stories and create their own opportunities. This, in turn, empowers them to take control of their futures and to inspire others in their communities to do the same.

In conclusion, the next time an opportunity comes your way, I encourage you to think beyond yourself. Consider not only how you can benefit, but also how your actions can open doors for others. When we give and take opportunities intending to make the world a better place, we all benefit.

At Cameras For Girls, we believe in the power of shared opportunities. We strive to create an environment where young women can access opportunities that allow them to thrive, not just survive. Through education, mentorship, and the sharing of skills, we can help shape a future where opportunities are not limited by geography, gender, or circumstance.

Thank you for reading. Let's continue to work together to create and share opportunities that uplift us all.