Photo by Esther, Kibagare
Today Photo Start is focusing on International Women’s Day.
Annually on March 8, we join the global celebration of the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women.
We are very honored to be working with organizations in Africa and the United States who are taking action to accelerate women’s equality. Read on to learn more about Unmothering the Woman, Rebirth of a Queen, and EmpowHERment.
Unmothering The Woman aims to dismantle stereotypes & myths around motherhood, by using a digital narrative content form that unpacks & spotlights diverse motherhood experiences. Our Lead Instructor, Jeri Muchura, was invited to participate in their first event which was held in December at Fairview Garden in Kiambu, Kenya. It was a hybrid, safe space where women from all walks of life shared their stories of motherhood.
Jeri selected four students from Photo Start’s advanced program to document this momentous occasion. Not only did students gain valuable technical experience shooting a live event, they honed communication and networking skills while coordinating with event planners, speakers, and guests.
The Photo Start team from left, Bonnie, Pauline, Jeri, Ali & Milkah
Photo by Ali Nur
Photo by Pauline Wambui
Photo by Bonnie Kurui
Rebirth of a Queen is a shelter for victims of domestic violence. Their mission is to empower, mentor, and walk with a survivor through her journey of healing by creating a sustainable way for her to tap into her power and thrive. Rebirth of a Queen started with a call from a crying woman. The founder, Pauline Juma, explains the origins of Rebirth best. Read her story here.
Photo Start is using photography and storytelling to help women and their children share stories visually that might be difficult to express in words. The students have made much progress in a short time, and our trainers have noticed they are excited to learn and explore creatively. The quieter students are even opening up more and more, and mentoring the younger children. As we like to say, “Each one, teach one!”
We are so excited to welcome EmpowHERment to the Photo Start family! This 501c3 charity organization is changing the world by focusing locally on Charlotte, NC, and surrounding areas. Their mission is to empower a continuous network of girls and women to be leaders in their community through mentorship, talent development and advocacy.
Photo Start kicks off classes in 2022 for 20 students aged 12-18. Remote classes taught by Jeri, our Lead Instructor, will be held twice a week for 10 weeks. Students will be learning digital photography as well as storytelling, covering topics such as Home, Who Am I?, Self-expression, Connection, Values, Exploration, Acts of Service, and Imagination. With this program, we are nurturing the focus, perspective, and vision of the leaders of tomorrow, who will impact their communities for generations to come.
The Photo Start program at EmpowHERment is made possible with generous support from The Nancy C. Tierney Fund for Girls’ and Women’s Empowerment. Nancy was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend, who passed away on March 31, 2021. In June, Nancy’s family established the fund to focus on empowering young women in her community to dream big, to take up space, to speak up and share, and to believe that anything is possible for them.
Take action now to lift up young women in Charlotte with a donation to Nancy’s Fund.
