HER|Story: Shaping and inspiring impact and storytelling across Africa
The women in the NEWF community are among the women across the continent showing up as the leaders, change-makers, and community cornerstones we have needed in our time. As the climate crisis intensifies, and intersectional social justice and impact movements rise to challenge the ways of the world; these women are meeting each challenge with passion, determination, and insurmountable fortitude - advocating for our access, expertise, and right to choose, the equity to lead, and to simply show up as ourselves while reimagining a better, more inclusive future for all people.
What if you could have a conversation with one of the worlds most renowned ocean storytellers?
In 2021 NEWF hosted a first-of-its-kind dive lab with the aim of certifying 10 Indigenous African women as SCUBA Divemasters. The Decade Divemaster Storytellers Lab brought together 10 women with different backgrounds, African cultures and careers to participate in a 90 day residency in Sodwana Bay featuring in depth, professional pool and open water training by day, and compelling storytelling workshops and discussion at night. One of these talks featured renowned American photojournalist and film producer, Brian Skerry, who joined the cohort via Zoom to field questions about his career immersed in nature, capturing incredible photographs of species that have captivated the hearts of people all across the globe.
What if your wish came true?
As we celebrate Ocean Month, it has been amazing to reflect on all the ocean stories in the NEWF Community. And as we reflect, so too do our fellows. Observing Ashunganya Nchafac Nkemlemo Precious’ journey with the ocean and storytelling has been a beautiful example of why NEWF does what it does. Briefly reflecting on her journey, one that started last year and has gained incredible momentum, she shares her win at the Cameroon International Film Festival (CAMIFF) - shining light her film, and new energy to tackle the next season of her journey as a filmmaker.
How does Virtual Reality contribute to real life impact?
As our country emphasises the importance of digital economies, VR emerges as an excellent medium to unite people in understanding ocean dynamics without the necessity of physical presence. For a significant portion of the population, the ocean remains a source of fear. But these immersive VR experiences ignite interest and encourage to further explore and learn about marine environments. This technology not only alleviates fear, but fosters a deeper connection and appreciation for the ocean among diverse communities.
What does freediving have to do with Ocean Access?
With the largest Ocean Access Programme for African Scientists, Conservationists and Storytellers, NEWF labs create opportunities for freediving certifications too. Recently, a cohort of fellows added this discipline to their skillset, each calmly descending and ascending along a dropped buoy line in Sodwana Bay's inviting water to a qualifying depth of 10 metres, just one breath at a time.