Empowering African Women Through Photography: How Cameras For Girls is Transforming Lives and Breaking Gender Barriers
A camera in the hands of a young woman can change the world. Cameras For Girls, a ground-breaking initiative, proves this every day by empowering young women in Africa through photography. This program equips them with the skills to tell their own stories and break free from poverty.
Since its inception, Cameras For Girls has trained over 64 women in Uganda, 25 in Tanzania, and 10 in South Africa. The program doesn’t just teach photography; it transforms lives. Over 80% of the graduates have secured full-time, paid work, escaping the clutches of poverty. They work as journalists, photojournalists, and communications experts. This success isn’t just about finding employment. It’s about using their voices to advocate for their rights, earn an income, and support their communities. In a society where women are often marginalized, this is a revolutionary shift.
“Photography has given me a voice,” says Patience, a 2019 graduate who is now a professional travel writer. “I can tell stories that matter and inspire change.”
Cameras For Girls, to me is a way to pay my passion for photography to young women in Uganda and as a homage to our home country ~ Amina Mohamed, the CEO & Founder of Camera for Girls
My ambition is to be among the designated photojournalists for the 2027 AFCON that will be hosted in Uganda ~ Mollan Joyce, former student at Camera for Girls[/caption]
The program’s approach is holistic, consisting of four phases. It starts with a four-day workshop where participants learn the basics of using a camera and storytelling. This introduction lays the foundation for their journey, enabling them to document the stories of their communities. They then progress to online learning, receiving live instruction every Friday on photography, business skills, and storytelling. Phase three involves building their LinkedIn profiles, teaching them networking skills both in-person and online. The final phase pairs them with a mentor for six months, guiding them in applying their skills to achieve job success.
This comprehensive training does more than impart technical skills. It builds confidence and provides a support system. Participants are often from university-based journalism programs but lack the tools and skills to succeed. Cameras For Girls fills this gap, preparing them to compete in male-dominated industries. “It’s not just about learning how to take a photo; it’s about learning how to create a career,” explains Amina Mohamed, the founder of Cameras For Girls.
These efforts have produced remarkable success stories. For example, Brandy, a 2022 graduate, has become one of East Africa’s leading entrepreneurs in the podcast space with her show, “The Ugandan Podcast.” Joyce, who started with no formal training, is now a sought-after sports photojournalist in Uganda. Such stories are not only about individual success; they challenge societal norms and change perceptions of what women can achieve.
Cameras For Girls goes beyond teaching a skill; it aims to foster social change. By empowering young women to become storytellers, advocates, and professionals, it tackles the issue of gender inequality head-on. The images they create serve as powerful narratives that can shift societal views and spark conversations around critical issues like poverty and gender equality. “Photography becomes more than just an art form—it becomes a catalyst for change,” says Amina.
In expanding its reach, Cameras For Girls has its sights set on Kenya, Ghana, and South Africa. Each country presents unique cultural and socio-economic challenges, but the potential impact is enormous. The program’s holistic and adaptable approach ensures it will be effective in these new environments. This expansion is driven by a deep respect for each country’s context, with a commitment to engaging with local communities to tailor the program accordingly.
The initiative has received overwhelmingly positive feedback from volunteers and donors. Volunteers find fulfillment in contributing to a cause with a direct, meaningful impact. They feel connected to the mission and see the tangible results of their efforts. Donors, inspired by the transformative stories of the graduates, value the transparency and regular updates provided by Cameras For Girls. The sense of community and shared purpose among supporters is a testament to the program’s success.
Looking ahead, Cameras For Girls aims to be a recognized leader in photography and media spaces across Africa. The vision includes a network of alumni who support each other, driving change in their communities. By offering ongoing education, mentorship, and opportunities to showcase their work, Cameras For Girls aims to become a hub of innovation and creativity. The goal is not just to train photographers but to contribute to a future where gender equality is the norm in media spaces across Africa.
Empowering young women through photography is about giving them a voice in a world where they are often silenced. Cameras For Girls challenges deeply entrenched gender inequalities in media and society at large. By providing these young women with tools and opportunities, the program helps them escape poverty and fosters a generation of leaders. The impact of this work extends far beyond the individual; it ripples through families, communities, and entire societies.
Readers who wish to get involved have several options. They can donate to support the work, mentor a student, volunteer, or sponsor a girl or workshop. Cameras For Girls will expand its program in Uganda next year, increasing the number of participants from 15 to 75. Immediate funding is crucial for this expansion. Those interested can donate via the Cameras For Girls website.
