Women in Focus

An interactive session led by leading women photographers exploring visibility, representation, and inclusive storytelling.

 Introduction:

Women in Focus is an interactive workshop led by photographers Cynthia Boll and Ilvy Njiokiktjien. Both are Canon Female Photojournalist Grant winners. The session celebrates the creativity and impact of women in photography and visual storytelling. Through open dialogue and creative exercises, participants explore how images shape visibility, voice, and new narratives of leadership, care, and change.

Description:

Over three hours, this workshop combines conversation, reflection, and practical storytelling exercises. First, the group explores how visual narratives influence who is seen and heard in society. Cynthia and Ilvy share experiences from their own work. They show how photographers can build trust, especially in sensitive or unequal contexts. Together, you will examine how images can challenge stereotypes. This opens space for more inclusive perspectives.

Next, the workshop shifts into small group work. Participants discuss their own experiences and ideas. They link personal stories to broader questions of representation and power. The trainers guide the conversation so that everyone has room to contribute. Moreover, they help participants recognise how their own visual choices carry weight and meaning.

Finally, the session moves towards creative application and collective sharing. Participants develop simple visual or conceptual story ideas. These ideas reframe leadership, identity, or representation through a women centred lens. The workshop closes with an informal group presentation. Here, key insights and concepts are shared, discussed, and connected to wider regional and global storytelling practices. Open to photographers, journalists, students, and storytellers of all levels, Women in Focus offers a supportive environment. It encourages creative exchange, solidarity, and confident, inclusive storytelling.

Modules:

Module 1: Visibility, Voice, and Representation
The first module introduces the core theme: how photography shapes visibility and voice. Cynthia and Ilvy open with a conversational introduction. They show moments from their own projects in different cultural and social contexts. They invite participants to reflect on how images influence public perception. Moreover, they explore how framing, perspective, and access affect who appears in the story. Through short examples and guided dialogue, the group begins to recognise the subtle power of visual choices. They learn how these choices can challenge or reinforce assumptions about leadership and identity.

Module 2: Trust, Ethics, and Lived Experience
The second module deepens the discussion and becomes more interactive. Participants work in small groups to explore themes of visibility, trust, and ethics within their own photographic experiences. With guidance from the trainers, they analyse how photographers make creative and ethical decisions that affect representation and impact, especially when working with communities or individuals in vulnerable situations. The conversation encourages participants to connect their personal perspectives with broader social narratives and to identify how imagery can both reflect and reshape our understanding of influence, care, and inclusion.

Module 3: Translating Insight into Story Ideas
The third module focuses on creative application and shared reflection. Participants turn their insights into visual or conceptual story ideas. These ideas reframe leadership and representation in their own contexts. They sketch or describe possible projects. In addition, they consider how to approach them with sensitivity and intention. Each group presents its ideas informally, prompting feedback, questions, and mutual inspiration. Cynthia and Ilvy conclude the session by linking participants’ contributions to ongoing global and regional storytelling practices. They highlight ways to keep developing inclusive narratives beyond the workshop.

Suitable for:

Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced

What Should Students Bring?

Participants should bring a notebook and pen for notes and ideas. They may also bring a small selection of their own images, either printed or in digital form, that relate to storytelling, representation, or identity.

Closing notes:

Women in Focus offers a space where photographers and storytellers can examine their role in shaping how women and marginalised voices are seen. Cynthia and Ilvy guide participants from reflection to action. They encourage honest discussion and practical, story driven thinking. Attendees leave with new perspectives, concrete project ideas, and greater confidence. They are equipped to pursue visual narratives that are inclusive, responsible, and powerful.