Empowering Women Through Mentorship, Advocacy, and Support
When people think about Cameras For Girls, the first thing that often comes to mind is photography training. While that is indeed our core offering, we provide so much more to our students. Our mission is about more than teaching photography skills—it’s about empowering young women to build their confidence while reaching their career goals and challenging gender biases in male-dominated media industries across Africa.
To achieve this mission, we focus on services that might not be immediately visible but are crucial to our students' success: mentorship, advocacy against harassment, and mental health support. These elements are integral to our students' journeys and help them become resilient and empowered media professionals.
Asha D Abinallah teaches our students how to stay safe in media.
Mentorship: Transforming Knowledge Into Confidence and Career Success
Mentorship has been proven to be one of the most effective ways to support young people in their careers. According to a 2019 study by LinkedIn, 76% of people believe mentors are essential to career growth, but only 37% of professionals have access to mentorship programs. For young women entering a male-dominated industry like media, mentorship provides a roadmap for navigating the field and accessing career-building opportunities that might otherwise remain out of reach.
At Cameras For Girls, during the 4th phase of our year-long program, each student is offered the opportunity to be paired with a mentor from either Africa or Canada who works with them one-on-one. Our mentors are seasoned professionals in photography, journalism, media, and business. They offer tailored guidance that addresses both technical and professional challenges. For example, mentors might help students create portfolios, improve storytelling techniques, or build LinkedIn profiles that attract potential employers. They also offer insights into the industry’s expectations and provide constructive and encouraging feedback.
Mentorship also plays a crucial role in confidence building. Studies indicate that young women with mentors are likelier to believe in their potential and take career risks that lead to more remarkable growth. Research by the Association for Talent Development shows that 75% of people with mentors reported that the relationship was integral to their success, and 94% said they would recommend mentorship to others. For our students, mentorship is more than just guidance—it’s a source of inspiration and a reminder that they can succeed in a field where they are often underrepresented.
Advocacy Against Sexual Harassment: Creating Safer Workplaces for Women
The media landscape can be incredibly challenging for women, particularly in regions where sexual harassment and gender discrimination are prevalent. Studies show that 40% of women in media face harassment in their workplaces globally, with numbers increasing in environments that lack regulation or oversight. This toxic environment not only threatens their safety but also limits career progression, as many women leave the industry rather than endure hostile working conditions.
Cameras For Girls is actively involved in advocating against sexual harassment in the media industry. We coordinate with local organizations like the Association of Media Women in Kenya (AMWIK) and Journalists for Human Rights (JHR) to push for safer work environments and policies that protect our students and other women in media. These organizations play a critical role in creating industry standards, reporting procedures, and educational programs that address harassment and gender-based discrimination.
Advocacy is essential because it shifts the culture within media organizations and helps normalize safe, respectful work environments. Through partnerships, we can leverage a stronger voice to hold institutions accountable and ensure that young women are not forced to choose between their careers and safety. According to a UN Women report, fostering safe workspaces not only empowers women but also boosts productivity and morale across entire organizations, which ultimately strengthens the media industry as a whole.
Empowerment and Mental Health Support: Fostering Resilience in the Face of Difficult Choices
In the face of harassment or other adversities, some young women are forced to choose between advancing their careers or maintaining their mental and physical well-being. For many women entering the field of journalism and media, the choice is challenging because of limited employment opportunities and the risk of stigma if they refuse positions or speak up about harassment.
At Cameras For Girls, we teach our students to advocate for themselves and understand their rights. We provide workshops that focus on resilience, self-confidence, and the power of saying “no” in situations that compromise their safety. We actively seek partnerships with mental health professionals and organizations to support our students. Many young women face challenges, including harassment, that affect their mental health. While mental health support is not yet an established part of our program, it is a growing priority. With the right partners, we hope to create a network offering the tools and guidance our students need to safeguard their well-being as they navigate challenging career environments.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), mental health support in professional settings is critical to building resilience and fostering long-term career success. In high-stress industries like media, access to mental health resources is crucial, particularly for young women who may be navigating harassment or cultural biases. Research indicates that when young professionals receive adequate mental health support, they are 70% more likely to remain in their field and achieve higher career satisfaction.
Our students report feeling empowered knowing that they have a community and a network of supporters behind them. Cameras For Girls is more than an educational organization; it’s a safe space where young women can pursue their dreams without fear of judgment or exploitation. By providing mental health resources and support, we help our students build the resilience needed to thrive, even in adversity.
Why These Services Matter: Empowering Women Through Holistic Support
While Cameras For Girls is primarily known as a photography training program, the additional services we provide are critical to achieving long-term success for our students. Studies have consistently shown that women in male-dominated industries, such as media, face unique challenges that mentorship, advocacy, and mental health support can directly address.
For instance, according to UN Women, women who receive mentorship and advocacy support are 50% more likely to advance into leadership positions and break gender barriers in their field. Similarly, data from the Center for Creative Leadership indicates that young women who have access to mental health support are more likely to stay in high-stress fields, as they feel better equipped to handle challenges that come their way.
The impact of our services goes beyond the individual student. When our students thrive, they become role models for other women and contribute to changing the culture within media organizations. Our alumni are already creating positive change; several are now advocating for safer workplaces, mentoring younger women, and challenging stereotypes within their own communities.
Conclusion: Paving the Way for Gender Equality, One Camera at a Time
At Cameras For Girls, we are committed to supporting young women in every aspect of their professional journey. Our mentorship, advocacy, and mental health services are essential components of this journey, providing a foundation that enables our students to navigate the complexities of the media industry with confidence and resilience.
As a charity, we rely on the support of donors, sponsors, and advocates who believe in our mission to empower young women through holistic education and support. Together, we can continue to pave the way for a new generation of women who are ready to break barriers, tell their stories, and redefine what it means to be a woman in media.
Whether you’re an industry professional, a potential mentor, or someone interested in supporting our cause, you play a vital role in this mission. Cameras For Girls is more than a program—it’s a movement toward gender equality, one camera at a time. Thank you for helping us empower young women to build the futures they deserve.