Event:Wiki Loves Africa 2026 - Ethical Story Telling Session
About the Session
[edit]As we document and share Africa’s rich cultural stories through Wiki Loves Africa 2026, it is essential that we do so responsibly and respectfully. This session on Ethics, Consent & Child Safeguarding is designed to guide participants on the importance of ethical storytelling, obtaining proper consent, and protecting vulnerable individuals especially children when capturing and uploading media under the theme “Rites and Rituals.”
In a digital world where images can travel globally in seconds and AI tools can extract hidden location data from metadata; photographers carry greater responsibility than ever, especially when children are involved. This session equips Wiki Loves Africa photographers with practical guardrails for ethical storytelling, informed consent, and child safeguarding in both physical and digital spaces. Participants will learn how to navigate power dynamics, secure meaningful consent, protect identities, remove sensitive EXIF data, and ensure that every image shared honors dignity rather than exposing vulnerability. Because ethical photography is no longer just about what we capture — it is about what we consciously choose to protect.
Trainer
[edit]Amina Mohamed is a Canada-based filmmaker and photographer of Ugandan origin, the speaker is a passionate advocate for ethical storytelling and gender equity in media. After returning to Uganda in 2007 to produce a documentary on the expulsion and return of Asians, she recognized the deep inequalities within the media space, particularly the barriers faced by women.
In 2017, she founded an initiative aimed at training young women in photography, filmmaking, and storytelling, with a focus on helping them access paid opportunities in male-dominated industries. Since launching the Cameras For Girls program in 2018, she has trained over 150 women in Uganda and Tanzania through intensive workshops and a year-long mentorship model, providing participants with cameras to overcome access barriers.
She also leads a growing Online Learning Hub, empowering over 2,000 women and girls across Africa and the MENA region to tell ethical, impactful stories using cameras and smartphones.
Objectives
[edit]The objective of this session is to equip participants with a clear understanding of ethical practices in media creation and sharing within the Wiki Loves Africa context. Participants will learn the importance of obtaining informed consent, respecting privacy, and recognizing situations that require special care, especially when working with children and vulnerable groups. The session also aims to provide practical guidance on how to apply child safeguarding principles, identify potential ethical risks, and make responsible decisions when documenting and uploading content. Ultimately, it seeks to ensure that all contributions to Wikimedia platforms are respectful, safe, and aligned with global ethical standards.
Who Should Attend?
[edit]This session is open to all participants of Wiki Loves Africa, including photographers, videographers, audio creators, and storytellers who are interested in contributing media to Wikimedia Commons. It is especially relevant for both new and experienced Wikimedians who document cultural practices, community life, and public events. Organizers, trainers, and community leaders will also find this session valuable, as it provides essential knowledge for guiding others in ethical content creation. Anyone passionate about responsible storytelling and protecting the rights and dignity of individuals particularly children will benefit from attending.
Event Details
[edit]- Event Type: Online Webinar
- Platform: Zoom
- Date: 27 March 2026
- Time: 14:00 UTC
- Duration: 90 Minutes