The camera never lies

"My environment now communicates with me. I see images smiling, crying, talking and even telling stories to me. The other day I was getting water from the outside tap. A dragonfly came drinking from the bucket. It was actually a wonderful sight for all to see." Frances, Freetown

Above and below: images from Freetown, Hull's twin city

A photography project engouraging women to capture themes of pride, freedom, belief and change through the lens has united Hull and Freetown.

Learning photography skills has helped women in Sierra Leone to earn a living and lift themselves out of poverty and oppression.
"One woman wanted to open her own photography studio, while another wanted to sell pretty postcards of Sierra Leone on her market stall," says Lee Karen Stow, a freelance photographer from Hull who recently delivered photography workshops in Freetown, the country's capital and Hull's twin city.
More than 60 women from all walks of life took part in the 'Wilberforce Women Project' workshops.
Their mission was to capture aspects of their world that reflected themes of pride, freedom, belief and change – the themes of Hull's Wilberforce 2007 programme, which helped fund the workshops.
"Some of the images show incredible beauty," adds Lee.
"The workshops opened my eyes to the sheer enthusiasm expressed by the women.
"As well as being a tool for expression, these skills could help them lift themselves out of poverty.
"One woman, a journalist, wanted to use photography as a tool to fight for various causes, and to try to bring about positive change in Sierra Leone."

Women in the frame

"He's everything to me. Pride, change, belief, and freedom from an old life that was empty." New mum Lisa Bagnall, Hull.	"The picture is very special to me - it reminds me that although my Dad was very seriously ill at the time, he never ever lost his smile or his sense of humour. My Dad always taught me to love my life, to be free, to have pride and belief in myself." Elaine Munzer, Hull	Fiona Caley, from Hull, took this photograph of her mum and niece

At the other side of the world, Hull's women had already fulfilled the other half of the Wilberforce Women Project when they took part in an identical scheme last year.
Like the women from Sierra Leone, they took photographs in and around their home lives which reflected their personal interpretations of pride, freedom, belief and change.
Women in both countries exchanged greetings cards made from their photographs.
"It was a very special and moving evening when we delivered the cards from the Hull women to the women in Freetown," says Lee.
"The event was attended by the mayor and local women's charities and groups – and it just happened to be Valentine's Day!"
The Wilberforce Women Project, also funded by the Arts Council for England and the lottery grants scheme Awards for All, will culminate in an exhibition at the Ferens Art Gallery from October 6 to 28 when images from both countries will be on show.

Appeal for the future

The Freetown women have now formed their own photography group to take their training and individual projects further - but they need more cameras and equipment.