African women photographers make significant contributions, telling Africa’s stories and reshaping the narrative of their countries and continent. Despite operating in a field traditionally dominated by men, these women photographers have made remarkable progress, becoming a trusted and consistent source of visual narratives about Africa. Remarkably, these photographers are resolute in their quest for growth, not only for themselves but also for other photographers. They have established communities, collectives, and organisations to equip, empower, and inspire peers on the same journey. Here, we highlight five such inspiring collectives and organisations founded by African women photographers.
African Women in Photography
African Women in Photography is an empowering community that celebrates the contributions of women photographers across Africa. This organisation enhances visibility by maintaining a database of photographers, classified by region. It provides much-needed support to emerging photographers, linking them with organisations, editors, and curators keen on collaborating with African women photographers. African Women in Photography offers a vibrant platform that allows emerging photographers to display their work, seize opportunities, and engage actively in collaborative efforts and community development.
Founder – Sarah Waiswa (Uganda/ Kenya)
Collectif Goma Oeil
Collectif Goma Oeil is an inspiring collective dedicated to narrating the story of the city of Goma and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). With a focus on documentary photography, they capture the diverse aspects of city life, highlighting the social, economic, and political facets of Goma and the wider DRC. Each member contributes images that enrich our understanding of life in this region. Their work shines a light on the realities of Goma and the DRC, offering an authentic view of their world.
Co-founder – Arlette Bashizi (DRC)
Black Women Photographers
Established by Polly Irungu, a photographer born in Kenya, Black Women Photographers is an empowering global community and directory. Its mission is to ensure that women photographers are properly recognised and have access to paid opportunities. The collective generously provides access to educational resources, portfolio reviews, and social events for creatives without charge. Moreover, they run an annual grant fund. Black Women Photographers offers comprehensive support, catering to the needs of photographers at all stages of their careers.
Founder – Polly Irungu (Kenya)
Koz Collective
Koz Collective, a trio of Moroccan photographers, are shining a light on untold stories through their commitment to long-term, research-based storytelling. They are not just about capturing images, but also about educating other photographers. They host workshops covering a diverse range of photography practices, from photojournalism to fine art. Beyond this, they also curate and host photography exhibitions, providing a platform for other artists to showcase their work. Truly, Koz Collective is making a significant impact in the world of photography.
Co-founder: Imane Djamil (Morocco)
Mbogi Collective
Also known as NFT Kenya, the collective provides a platform for photographers and visual artists aiming to expand their skills in the crypto and blockchain domain. The founder, Margaret Ngigi, is a renowned Kenyan fine art and portrait photographer. The collective organises exhibitions and an annual NFT summit, offering photographers opportunities to interact with peers via an active Discord community and virtual discussions. Additionally, photographers can enhance their knowledge about photography and NFTs through various programmes and the annual summit.
Founder: Sherie Margaret Ngigi (Kenya)
This article is part of the Women’s History Month campaign, “We (Are) Invested”, which seeks to showcase the work of African women photographers. Included in the campaign is a month-long exhibition under the same theme, featuring the work of 18 African photographers from 15 African countries.
We invite you to view the exhibition Here.
