During a three-day virtual workshop, twelve participants discussed their interest in exploring social and environmental topics that are important to them individually and to their communities.
The workshops took place as part of an ongoing partnership between Canon and UN Women Libya, called ‘Libyan Woman and Youth Civil Society Organisations at the Forefront of Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Technology’. The project is part of Canon’s wider Young People Programme (YPP) and is linked to several of the UN’s sustainable development goals (SDGs) set out to drive peace and prosperity for people and the planet.
Amine Djouahra, Sales and Marketing Director at Canon Central and North Africa said, “We are honored to be collaborating with UN Women to empower Libyan women to tell their unique stories through the powerful medium of photography. By empowering & supporting workshop participants with cameras, new digital skills and techniques, we hope to not only make a difference to their lives but give them the confidence to go on to inspire their communities and generations of the future too.”
Workshop participants learned about photography, e-learning, social media and digital technology, as well as theoretical and technical knowledge of gender and training skills. The co-creational element of the workshops enabled participants to become certified trainers, enabling them to share what they have learned with their communities.
The workshop leader, Canon Ambassador Laura El-Tantawy, has spent her time divided between Middle Eastern and Western cultures which has inspired much of her documentary work exploring issues relating to her own identity and family history, as well as social issues. Laura’s work has been displayed in exhibitions and published in newspapers and magazines worldwide.
When asked to comment about the partnership between Canon EMEA and UN Women Laura said: “Photography and technology are a force for good that can help highlight the issues that matter to people most. It’s so crucial we give women in Libya the digital tools and support in using them to not only express themselves but also amplify their voices online where they might not have previously been heard. Through Canon and UN Women Libya partnership we are able help these women tell their story and, importantly, teach them how to upskill future generations of women and inspire others to change the world around them.”
To learn more about the Young People Programme, please visit Canon’s website: https://www.canon-europe.com/sustainability/
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Canon Central and North Africa (CCNA).
Media enquiries, please contact:
Canon Central and North Africa
Mai Youssef
e. Mai.youssef@canon-me.com
APO Group – PR Agency
Rania ElRafie
e. Rania.ElRafie@apo-opa.com
About Canon Central and North Africa:
Canon Central and North Africa (CCNA) (Canon-CNA.com) is a division within Canon Middle East FZ LLC (CME), a subsidiary of Canon Europe. The formation of CCNA in 2015 was a strategic step that aimed to enhance Canon’s business within the Africa region – by strengthening Canon’s in-country presence and focus. CCNA also demonstrates Canon’s commitment to operating closer to its customers and meeting their demands in the rapidly evolving African market.
Canon has been represented in the African continent for more than 15 years through distributors and partners that have successfully built a solid customer base in the region. CCNA ensures the provision of high quality, technologically advanced products that meet the requirements of Africa’s rapidly evolving marketplace. With over 100 employees, CCNA manages sales and marketing activities across 44 countries in Africa.
Canon’s corporate philosophy is Kyosei (https://bit.ly/3G6hG54) – ‘living and working together for the common good’. CCNA pursues sustainable business growth, focusing on reducing its own environmental impact and supporting customers to reduce theirs using Canon’s products, solutions and services. At Canon, we are pioneers, constantly redefining the world of imaging for the greater good. Through our technology and our spirit of innovation, we push the bounds of what is possible – helping us to see our world in ways we never have before. We help bring creativity to life, one image at a time. Because when we can see our world, we can transform it for the better.
For more information: Canon-CNA.com
