Canon Central and North Africa, a global leader in imaging and print solutions, is proud to announce the launch of the Women Who Empower 2024 programme in Nigeria in collaboration with Women in Successful Careers (WISCAR). This  initiative aims to uplift and support women in the imaging and print industries through workshops, mentorship opportunities, and networking events, tailored to promote the growth and advancement of women in these fields.

Aligned with this year’s International Women's Day theme of "Inspire Inclusion", the initiative aims to empower women by providing a platform to showcase their work, enabling access to necessary tools, and helping them excel through investment and training programmes.

“We are thrilled to partner with WISCAR in Nigeria to unlock the potential of women in the imaging and printing industries in Africa. This collaboration exemplifies Canon's unwavering commitment to leveraging our resources for the greater good. Skills development and empowerment of women are not just beneficial but critical for the advancement of our society and economy,” says Somesh Adukia, Managing Director of Canon Central and North Africa.

“By joining forces, we can create meaningful opportunities for women to thrive professionally, contribute to gender equality, and drive economic growth. Together, we are poised to make a significant impact on the advancement of women in our communities and beyond.”

Mrs. Amina Oyagbola, Founder & Chairperson WISCAR says, “WISCAR is excited to partner with Canon to empower women in the imaging and print industries. This collaboration underscores our commitment to providing women with the resources and opportunities they need to succeed in their professional endeavours. Together, we will pave the way for a more inclusive and equitable society in Nigeria.”

The programme will commence on 15 May 2024 with a series of workshops which includes three modules: printing, photography, and content creation. Each module has four sessions, two theory and two practicals, allowing participants to select one or more areas of interest. These classes include technical instruction, foundational theory, and a month of supervised Canon equipment practice in the chosen field.

Led by renowned Nigerian cinematographer, director, and Canon Ambassador Daniel Ehimen, the content creation course will offer participants essential skills in videography. The course will cover videography principles, camera mastery, storytelling, and practical application with feedback.

The photography course led by Emmanuel Oyeleke, a renowned Nigerian lifestyle photographer and Canon Ambassador, will focus on the fundamentals of photography, with an emphasis on storytelling. Through numerous sessions and practical exercises, participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of photography basics and hone their skills behind the lens. The printing workshop, also led by Oyeleke, will offer a comprehensive understanding of printing solutions for photography portfolios and photo studio setups.

Canon will provide all resources, comprising imaging and printing equipment. Upon completion of the workshops, participants will receive certificates and valuable feedback from the trainers. The company looks forward to collaborating with WISCAR and other organisations to nurture the progress of women in the photography industry. This initiative aligns with Canon’s corporate philosophy and its commitment to advancing gender equality in the workplace.