Why Confidence is Key for Women in Male-Dominated Industries.

Confidence is often the dividing line between opportunity and exclusion in male-dominated industries. For young women aspiring to build careers in fields such as media, journalism, and photography, it's a necessity. The ability to stand firm, speak up, and assert their skills is not just an advantage, but it shows other young women what is possible to achieve with confidence. At Cameras For Girls, we witness firsthand how confidence transforms the lives of the young women we train, giving them the courage to claim their place in an industry that too often tries to shut them out.

Rosette Gladys Nandutu expresses joy and confidence with her new camera.

The Confidence Gap: A Barrier to Success

Research consistently shows that women tend to underestimate their abilities compared to men. In male-dominated industries, this lack of self-belief can prevent women from pursuing leadership roles, negotiating salaries, or even applying for jobs for which they are well-qualified. The young women we support in Africa most often begin their journey hesitant to own their talents, not because they lack them but because society has told them that they don't matter. Many have been told directly or indirectly that photography and journalism are not "women's fields." This ingrained societal bias fosters self-doubt and a fear of failure, which can hold them back from seizing opportunities.

Take Joyce Mollan, for instance. She knew she had the skills but kept coming up against male photographers, who consistently told her she did not belong in sports photography. It took a while for Joyce to gain her ground, but once she did, she happily put them in their place, proving that she had the skills and confidence to succeed.

Breaking Barriers Through Skill and Self-Belief

At Cameras For Girls, we recognize that building confidence requires both skill development and emotional support. Confidence doesn't come from wishful thinking; it comes from competence. That's why we provide young women with the tools, training, and mentorship they need to develop their photography and ethical storytelling abilities.

When a young woman picks up a camera for the first time, she might hesitate, unsure of herself. But as she learns how to frame a shot, adjust lighting, and tell a compelling visual story, something changes. She starts to believe in her ability. She sees the power of her voice through her images. And with each successful photo and each encouraging piece of feedback, she grows bolder in her craft and her aspirations.

Another example that comes to mind is Sandra Agwico. Throughout her time with Cameras For Girls, Sandra has developed her eye and ability to portray rural community stories in a way that sheds a positive light on the work happening. She especially likes to portray rural women with strength, as they are not always shown in this positive light.

Confidence in Action: Owning the Room

Confidence isn't just about skill; it's about presence. In male-dominated industries, women are often interrupted, overlooked, or doubted. Learning how to command respect and advocate for oneself is crucial. That's why our program goes beyond technical training—we incorporate public speaking, leadership coaching, and ethical storytelling to equip our students with the self-assurance to navigate professional spaces.

One of our recent graduates and new trainers, Sheilla Clara, shared how she struggled to express herself. She feared pitching ideas, worried that she wasn't experienced enough. Through our program, she refined her technical skills and learned how to confidently assert her ideas by participating in Toastmasters. Today, she works as a photojournalist and is now a paid trainer with Cameras For Girls, finding her vision and storytelling prowess through her lens.

Creating a Culture of Confidence

Confidence isn't built in isolation. It thrives in supportive environments. That's why mentorship and community are central to our work. When young women see others like them succeeding, they realize they, too, can rise. When they are mentored by women and men who have walked the same path and triumphed, they gain a roadmap for their own success.

At Cameras For Girls, we are not just equipping young women with cameras but giving them the confidence to take control of their narratives and careers. We are fostering a generation of fearless female storytellers who will no longer be sidelined in male-dominated industries.

We must continue to create spaces where young women can develop their skills, showcase their talents, and see their value reflected back at them. Whether through mentorship, training, or simply encouraging the women in our lives to step forward boldly, we all have a role in building a world where women's voices are heard and their talents recognized.

To break down barriers in male-dominated industries, we must build confidence—one woman, one camera, one story at a time.