African Women in Photography X The End Fund 2025

Five selected photographers will each receive a commission grant of USD $10,000 as support for the development, production, and final delivery of their projects from the END Fund, along with mentorship and resources from AWP.

Overview

African Women in Photography (AWP), in partnership with the END Fund, invites proposals from African women and non-binary photographers to create a new body of work or extend an existing lens-based project. This commission will explore the lived experiences of women and girls affected by neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) across the continent in he END Fund's program countries (Senegal, Guinea-Bissau, Mauritania, Sierra Leone, Mali, Niger, Chad, Sudan, Eritrea, Burkina Faso, Ghana, Nigeria, Central African Republic (CAR), South Sudan, Ethiopia, Somalia, Republic of Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Malawi, Angola, Rwanda, Burundi, Madagascar, and Zimbabwe).

The selected works will highlight the lives of these women while raising awareness about the profound impact of NTDs on health, education, economic opportunities, and social standing. This project offers an exciting opportunity to tell compelling visual stories that promote dialogue, social change, and a deeper understanding of the challenges African women face, as well as to celebrate their extraordinary contributions.

Practical Info

The open call is for women and nonbinary photographers of African descent who are 18 years of age and currently based on the continent of Africa. Proposals must use lens-based media (photography, film, or other multimedia forms), and spotlight the unique impact of NTDs on African women and girls.

Entries should demonstrate the photographer’s deep understanding of the challenges women and girls face with accessing NTD care, both for prevention and treatment, as well as their resilience when faced with environmental and societal barriers. Projects must be based in one of the following countries: Senegal, Guinea-Bissau, Mauritania, Sierra Leone, Mali, Niger, Chad, Sudan, Eritrea, Burkina Faso, Ghana, Nigeria, CAR, South Sudan, Ethiopia, Somalia, Republic of Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Malawi, Angola, Rwanda, Burundi, Madagascar, Zimbabwe. All approaches are welcome, including fine art, documentary and other experimental works as long as they are lens-based.

Proposals must include a portfolio with a selection of previous works (10-15 images or links to multimedia clips) demonstrating visual storytelling and technical ability. A concept proposal outlining your proposed project, its approach, and relevance to the theme must also be included. Finally, all proposals should include a CV or bio highlighting relevant experience, exhibitions, or awards.

Five selected photographers will each receive a commission grant of USD $10,000 provided by the END Fund. The funds will support the development, production, and final delivery of their projects. The awarded projects must be completed within three months. Photographers will also receive mentorship, resources, and support from AWP and its network of established practitioners throughout the project.

The jury is composed of Fiona Shields (Head of Photography, Guardian News & Media), Lee-Ann Olwage (Visual Storyteller), Tamary Kudita (Artist), Fadzai Veronica Muchemwa (Researcher and Curator), Ala Kheir (Photographer), and Nyancho NwaNri (Photographer).

About the END Fund and African Women in Photography

The END Fund is a leading collaborative philanthropic initiative dedicated to ending neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) that limit the lives and livelihoods of 1.6 billion people globally. African Women in Photography is an organisation/community dedicated to elevating and celebrating the work of women and non binary photographers from Africa.