Olwage’s latest work, right to play, shows girls empowered to play in a carefree world. This work symbolizes creating an inspiring environment where girls can play freely and dream. Some want to become pilots, teachers, and even doctors, while many others want to become lawyers to fight for girls’ rights and promote access to education.

Her recent projects fit perfectly into her practice, which centers on long-term collaborative projects aimed at creating spaces for people through their active participation in the creation of images. .

For more information, see Q&A with the Artist.

When and how did the project come about?

In June 2021, I was asked to direct a short documentary about Dr. Kakenya Ntaiya, the founder of Kakenya’s Dream. The organization is a non-profit organization that uses education to empower girls, end harmful traditional practices, including FGM and child marriage, and transform communities. Kenyan countryside. Part of this project was created while I was attending her PHmuseum documentary photography masterclass. Masterclass tuition was generously supported by the International Women’s Media Foundation (IWMF).
When I visited Kakenya’s Dream School, I was able to spend time with the girls there. I was impressed by the way the school shaped their confidence and the changes that occurred when the girls were given the opportunity to complete their education in an environment that supported and encouraged their dreams.
From an early age, many girls are taught what their future will be like. The expectation is that you will grow up, get a husband, and have children. And that’s your life. Every day girls face barriers to education due to poverty, cultural norms and practices, poor infrastructure and violence.