My lovely people, I hope you have all been well. As many of you know, I spent the last three months of 2025 in Burundi, sharing precious time with my family and reconnecting with the communities that shaped me. One of the most meaningful moments of my stay was spending time with my sisters from BAWA (Burundian Association for Women in Action), a grassroots organisation I introduced to you in an earlier blog.
BAWA is a collective of vulnerable women, and among them are young women who urgently need practical skills to build independence and a brighter future. In Burundi, photography is not just a hobby, it is a real profession. With the right skills, a young woman can earn an income, support her family, and take control of her life. That is why HIV Stigmafighter chose to invest in strengthening their capacity in photography, design, and video editing. We believe in the potential of the women behind BAWA!
Burundi is full of moments that require a photographer: weddings, birthdays, funerals, school graduations, church gatherings, community celebrations. There is always someone who needs a camera. I had the privilege of joining the women of BAWA during one of their street‑photography sessions. It was incredibly hot, but watching them enjoy that day and grow in confidence and creativity touched me deeply and made every moment unforgettable.
When I see these young BAWA women behind their cameras, I see more than learners. I see emerging storytellers, future professionals, and young leaders. These new skills are opening their eyes to new possibilities, serving as a pathway to dignity, income, and self‑determination. And as you can read from their stories, they are already putting their skills to use: documenting their journey as a grassroots organisation, capturing and sharing local events, and seeing opportunities to earn small incomes to help them shape their own futures.
Here are some impressions of the capacity strengthening event and the beautiful pictures captured by our 5 young talents:
I am so proud that HIV Stigmafighter helped make this possible. By offering resources, encouragement, and unwavering belief in their strength, we opened a door. And these young women are walking through it with strength and pride.
Thank you BAWA, and a very special thank you to our five talents: Aisha, Jessica, Jeanne d'Arc, Lyse Bella, and Esperance
Peace,
Eliane
This blog was originally posted on hivstigmafighter
