Ina Makosi | 2021 | Women By Women

For the 2021 exhibition, Ina Makosi took pictures of women living on the islands of Senegal who are building long-term solutions to the effects of climate change on their communities.

Most of the women photographed are part of local women’s groups set up with the support of ActionAid. Being part of Women By Women was important to Ina, whose aim is to inspire and empower other female artists in Senegal.

Amy (in yellow) is a fisherwoman and part of a local women’s group on Djirnda Island in Senengal. Climate change and rising sea levels have had very serious consequences on their community and have affected their livelihoods and their children’s access to education. To tackle this, Amy and the women’s group have been planting mangrove trees that create a barrier for their homes against the rising tide.

Awa is the president of a local women’s group on Djirnda Island in Senegal. Rising sea levels due to climate change have been threatening the homes and livelihoods of the island's residents, so Awa decided to take action.

The women’s group has been helping to bring back the tradition of beekeeping to the island. This local tradition has been revived and maintained by groups like hers as a response to the social and economic difficulties the island is facing due to climate change.

Kady is a fisherwoman on Maya Island, Senegal. One of her biggest challenges is the rising sea levels in her villages. For the past few years, the tide has started to infringe on people’s houses and even blocked access to the school on the neighbouring island of Dijrnda.

To tackle this, Kady and her local women’s group have been working to find solutions, including building a bridge so their children can get to school safely.

Discover the stories of inspirational women and the talent of women photographers in our previous Women By Women exhibitions.