STORIES FROM YOUNG MOTHERS LIVING IN KIBERA
Embedded Files
ABOUT
ABOUT
Cracks of Light is a series of photo essays featuring young mothers living in Kibera—one of Africa’s largest informal settlements. The project was created as part of Akina Mama wa Afrika’s regional initiative on untold stories of Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights (SRHR) across Africa.
The title draws inspiration from the architecture of Kibera’s homes—corrugated iron sheets and makeshift walls that often leave small openings where beams of light stream through. These literal cracks of light became a metaphor for the pillars of resilience, joy, and hope displayed within these women’s lives. Inside their homes, I was struck by how each space was arranged—vibrant, expressive, and beautiful—offering a stark contrast to the harshness of the external environment.
I first met the women featured in this series while teaching photography and film at a local NGO. Their warmth, humor, and openness immediately drew me in, and I was surprised to learn that each of them was a young mother. When I shared the idea for this project, they embraced it wholeheartedly and nailed the concept of documentary photography beyond my expectations—allowing me into their homes, introducing me to their families, and choosing to be photographed with full visibility.
Documenting their stories became both a creative and emotional journey. Many of the conversations revealed painful truths about the realities of motherhood, survival, and gender in Kibera, leaving me to reflect deeply on my own role as an artist and activist. It often felt inadequate to simply photograph without being able to tangibly change their circumstances. My hope is that this work can, in some way, contribute to more care for these women.
Ultimately, with this being one of my first independent photography grants, I am very proud of the outcome and wouldn’t have it any other way. It has been a very humbling and expansive experience; the diversity of stories, depth of lived experience and openness of my subjects whom I now consider friends, peers and storytellers in their own right. May this contribute towards a better, more compassionate and caring world to live and raise our children in.
Lastly I’d like to shout out my wonderful team;
Nicole- thank you for being so open to and invaluable throughout the whole experience. Having another woman with me made all the difference.
Tyson - my long term friend, fixer and second shooter. Thank you for connecting me with this community.
And the lovely ladies without whom this wouldn’t have been possible.
Thank you for witnessing this work I am very proud of. You can see more of my work here.
Sincerely,
Aida
Page updated
Google Sites
Report abuse