Empowering Women Through the Lens: Amina Mohamed’s Vision with Cameras for Girls

“Women want to hear about women’s issues from other women. We’re giving them the skills and the platform to share their stories and influence change.”

In recent years, conversations about gender equality and representation have gained momentum, yet significant barriers persist, particularly in male-dominated industries like media. Amina Mohamed, a filmmaker, entrepreneur, and advocate, is addressing this issue head-on through Cameras for Girls, a Canadian charity she founded in 2018. With a mission to empower young women pursuing careers in media across Africa, Amina is proving that education and opportunity can create ripples of change.

A Vision Born from Personal Experience

Amina’s journey began with a deeply personal connection to Uganda. In 1972, her family was forced to flee their home country, an event that shaped her understanding of adversity and resilience. Though she grew up in Canada with access to opportunities, Amina never forgot the challenges faced by women and girls in her birthplace. 

“When I returned to Uganda as a filmmaker, I was shocked by the inequalities I saw,” Amina recalls. “Girls as young as 14 were being married off, and families often chose to educate boys over girls. I wanted to create something that could help change that.” This realisation eventually led to the creation of Cameras for Girls, a programme designed to give young women the tools and skills to thrive in media careers.

Overcoming Gender Barriers through the Lens

Cameras for Girls operates with a simple yet impactful model. Women enrolled in the programme receive a camera—a vital tool often inaccessible due to gender-based barriers—and undergo a year-long, four-phase training programme. This training covers photography, ethical storytelling, and business skills, filling the gap left by largely theoretical journalism programmes.

“Our students come out of journalism school without the practical skills to get a job,” Amina explains. “We provide the hands-on training they need to break into male-dominated media fields.”

Cameras for Girls currently operates in Uganda and Tanzania, with plans to expand to seven African countries by 2030. Through its online training platform, which is free for any woman in Africa with access to a camera or smartphone, the organisation is already reaching over 1,500 women.

Stories of Impact: The Ripple Effect

Amina’s work is creating transformative change for her students, many of whom go on to inspire others. She recounts the story of Brandy Azirwe, a graduate from the 2019 cohort, who used her camera to teach herself podcasting. Brandy has since created two successful podcasts, one of which was acquired by the Ugandan government. She now mentors other women, continuing the cycle of empowerment.

Another success story is Patience, a travel writer who persevered through challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic. With mentorship and guidance from Cameras for Girls, Patience won a prestigious travel writing competition and now mentors others in the field. Similarly, Vivian, a freelance journalist, secured a competitive Rotary Fellowship with the organisation’s support.

Over 80% of the programme’s graduates now work in media, demonstrating the effectiveness of Cameras for Girls’ approach.

Challenges and the Role of Collaboration

Like many non-profits, Cameras for Girls faces its share of challenges, particularly in securing funding. Amina emphasises the importance of partnerships and volunteer support, particularly through platforms like We Make Change. 

“Volunteers from We Make Change have been invaluable, helping with everything from grant research to refining our messaging,” Amina says. She also highlights the impact of Change Days, a virtual volunteering opportunity that connects impact startups with corporate volunteers. For Cameras for Girls, a Change Day session with CSG employees focused on improving their website led to long-term benefits, including increased visibility and engagement.

Looking Ahead: A Vision for 2030

By 2030, Cameras for Girls aims to train 30,000 women across seven African countries, amplifying female voices in diverse media landscapes. Amina sees this as crucial not only for gender equality but also for fostering empathetic and accurate storytelling.

“Women want to hear about women’s issues from other women,” she notes. “We’re giving them the skills and the platform to share their stories and influence change.”

Change is Right Out the Door

For those who doubt the possibility of change, Amina offers a simple yet powerful message: “Look outside your front door. Change is happening everywhere. Support it, join it, and contribute in your own way.” 

Cameras for Girls is a testament to the impact of grassroots initiatives, the power of education, and the importance of amplifying underrepresented voices. To learn more, support their mission, or volunteer, visit camerasforgirls.org or follow them on LinkedIn and Instagram. Together, we can help rewrite the narrative for women in media across Africa.

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This is part of our ChangeLeaders interview series with impact leaders sharing their journeys, learnings, and lessons. If you are a ChangeLeader we should interview, please email us at info@wemakechange.org.

Interview & Article: Laura De Alba