Sura Bitafreeq: Photography for Change
Empowering Sudanese Women Through Visual Storytelling
At Art Lab Sudan, we believe in the power of photography to create change — especially when it’s in the hands of women advocating for their rights and the rights of others. In partnership with the Amel Organization, we launched the Sura Bitafreeq Workshop, a 4-day intensive program held from October 25–28, 2024, focused on building the photography and storytelling skills of young women activists and advocates in Sudan.
About the Workshop
Sura Bitafreeq — meaning “a photo can make a difference” — was specially designed to equip women with the practical and creative tools to use photography as a means of advocacy, awareness, and self-expression. It targeted women from feminist groups and youth networks working on women’s rights, peacebuilding, and gender equality.
Over the course of four days, participants learned:
The fundamentals of photography
Mobile photography techniques
Lighting, composition, and symbolism
Visual storytelling and sequencing
Editing and double-exposure techniques
How to design and present advocacy projects through photography
All sessions combined technical skills with real-life stories, using Sudanese cultural contexts and personal experiences to make the learning process meaningful and relevant.
Why Photography?
Photography is a powerful language. For women in Sudan, using the camera means taking control of their own narratives and shaping how their stories are seen and heard. This workshop gave them not just the tools, but also the confidence to use visual media as a platform to speak up, raise awareness, and push for change.
Key Highlights
Safe and creative space for women to learn, express, and collaborate
Hands-on sessions using mobile phones and cameras
Storytelling projects reflecting themes like conflict, identity, and women’s rights
Practical work guided by expert mentors
Final group projects developed for a public exhibition
Impact and Outcomes
By the end of the workshop:
✅ Participants gained strong technical and creative skills in photography
✅ They learned how to translate advocacy messages into powerful visuals
✅ They developed group projects ready for exhibition
✅ Many expressed interest in continuing to use photography in their activism
✅ A future vision was sparked: using photography as emotional healing and community voice
Conclusion
Sura Bitafreeq was more than just a training—it was a space for women to reclaim their voices and turn their personal and political experiences into stories that can be seen, shared, and remembered.
At Art Lab Sudan, we are proud to have contributed to this journey, and we are committed to continuing to support women in media and visual advocacy.
Because every picture can make a difference.
