Sarah Waiswa is building a platform that empowers African women photographers to tell authentic, ethical, and impactful stories.
Sarah Waiswa, a Ugandan-born, Kenya-based documentary and portrait photographer, is best known for her work exploring new African identity, memory, and womanhood. Trained in sociology and psychology, her photography has earned international recognition for challenging stereotypes and presenting authentic African stories.
In 2021, Waiswa launched African Women in Photography (AWP), a nonprofit dedicated to amplifying the voices of women and non-binary photographers across the continent. The platform was born during the pandemic from what Sarah described as “an urge to connect.”
More than just a community, AWP is a direct response to the underrepresentation of African female and non-binary photographers in the global visual industry. Sarah built the space she wished existed when she was starting out – one that offers mentorship, peer support, business guidance, education, exhibitions, and access to international editors and curators.
Since its inception, AWP has developed into a formidable platform that supports its members through mentorship and commissions, encourages ethical storytelling, and hosts exhibitions that challenge conventional narratives. In 2023, Waiswa curated Sisi Ni Hao, an exhibition at the Goethe Institute in Nairobi, showcasing 12 East African women and non-binary photographers. The show examined themes of womanhood and identity, providing a rare and vital platform for local voices to shape how they are perceived.
Beyond curating, AWP has partnered with major global organisations like the END Fund to commission photographers to document social issues, such as the effect of neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) on women and girls in Africa. These visual projects have increased global awareness of public health issues and education, while also offering African women photographers the chance to lead advocacy efforts from within their communities. These collaborations exemplify Waiswa’s commitment to centring African perspectives in stories that have traditionally been told by outsiders.
The platform has also aided emerging photographers in securing features in prominent publications such as The New York Times, Bloomberg, and The Washington Post. AWP is further opening doors by providing its members with pathways to sustainable careers in a male-dominated industry, where access and recognition have historically been unequal.
Sarah Waiswa’s work with AWP has expanded opportunities for African women and non-binary photographers by creating space for genuine storytelling, fostering opportunities, and establishing a lasting network of support.
Have you registered for the Africa Female CEO Conference (AFCC)? Join over 200+ influential and emerging African women leaders at the inaugural AFCC on September 18th at Radisson Blu, Ikeja, Lagos, to chart the course for Africa’s future. Hit this link to reserve your slot: https://tix.africa/africa-female-ceo-conference-afcc
