In a world where visual storytelling shapes global narratives, Sarah Waiswa is changing the frame. The award-winning Ugandan-Kenyan photographer is the visionary founder behind African Women in Photography (AWiP) — a transformative platform dedicated to amplifying the voices of female and non-binary photographers across the African continent.
A Platform Born from Purpose
Launched with the goal of dismantling the barriers faced by women in photography, AWiP offers visibility, mentorship, and opportunities for emerging and established African creatives. Sarah Waiswa, who is known for her evocative documentary and fine-art work, saw the urgent need to create a safe, empowering space for women whose stories are often overlooked or underrepresented.
Through AWiP, photographers gain access to:
- International exhibitions and publishing opportunities
- Peer-to-peer mentorship programs
- Grants and visibility campaigns spotlighting untold African stories
Photography With Impact
One of AWiP’s most recent collaborations was with the END Fund, a nonprofit focused on ending neglected tropical diseases (NTDs). Together, they commissioned African women photographers to document the lives of women and girls affected by NTDs — creating powerful visuals that humanize the fight for health equity.
These projects go beyond aesthetics. They offer visual justice, reclaiming African narratives from exploitative media and reframing the continent through the eyes of those who live its realities.
Building a Pan-African Visual Legacy
AWiP is not just a platform—it’s a movement. It challenges the global photography industry to rethink who gets to tell African stories, and how. By creating inclusive spaces and showcasing bold, experimental work rooted in authenticity, Sarah Waiswa is paving the way for a new generation of image-makers.
As African art and fashion continue to rise globally, platforms like AWiP remind us that representation matters—not just in front of the camera, but behind it.
