Open Call for Women Photographers 2026

Unpublished Africa invites African women photographers to submit their work for our upcoming 2025 Women’s Month exhibition.

We are seeking powerful images that show stories of empowered women and effectively document social issues, celebrate cultural diversity, and inspire positive change. The work submitted should tell compelling stories about women around you, raise awareness, and provoke thought.

We encourage submissions that explore the following themes:

• Economic Empowerment: Stories of women earning a living, building businesses, sustaining families, or creating value in their communities.

• Women and Climate: How women are responding to climate change, adapting to environmental shifts, or leading solutions in their everyday lives.
  

• Cultural Heritage: Images that show how women pass on knowledge, preserve culture, and open pathways for younger generations.
  

• Human Stories: Personal, or collective stories that reflect the realities of women and the communities they are part of.
  
  

  Submission Guidelines:

• Image Quantity: Submit 3-5 images. These may be a single story or a short series.

• Caption: Include a brief caption for each image explaining what we are seeing and why it matters. When submitting, please label your captions as follows:
  Artist Name, Nationality, Title, Year

• Artist Statement: A short statement about your photographic practice and the thinking behind the work you are submitting. (200 words)

• Bio: Include a bio to share about yourself. (100 words)

• Headshot: Please include a clear headshot.

• I’d be Empowered if: Complete the sentence “I’d be empowered if…” or “I’d feel empowered if…” and tell us what empowerment means to you as an African woman photographer.

Deadline: 15 February 2026

Selected photographers will be invited to exhibit their work as part of the Women’s Month programme.

About Unpublished Africa

Unpublished Africa works to create access, visibility, and professional pathways for African visual storytellers. Through exhibitions, publishing, and programmes, we support photographers at key early stages of their careers and contribute to a stronger African creative economy.

We look forward to receiving your submissions!

Submit your work on this link:

https://airtable.com/appBCShD073iFX4xB/shriFTryYVfPcJK6O

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