Arlette Bashizi, born in 1999 in Bukavu, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), is a talented documentary photographer and photojournalist who focuses on the social issues affecting her community, particularly in Goma, where she is currently based. Since 2018, Bashizi has utilized her camera to capture the struggles and everyday realities faced by the people around her, addressing topics such as health challenges and environmental degradation, with a particular emphasis on women and youth.
Arlette’s photographic journey began with training under the Lens on Life project in Goma. This early exposure to photography equipped her with the technical skills and storytelling ability to approach sensitive topics with respect and depth. In 2020, she participated in the prestigious Canon Student Development Program, a mentorship and portfolio review initiative organized by Visa pour l’Image. This was a turning point that propelled her into the professional world of photojournalism, culminating in a scholarship to attend the VII Academy in 2021, a notable institution for training emerging photojournalists.
Throughout her career, Arlette has received significant recognition for her work. In 2022, her project Fraicheur Deserte, which documents the tragic realities of malnutrition in the DRC, earned her an honorable mention at the Marilyn Stafford FotoReportage Award. This accolade recognized the powerful storytelling in her photographs, shedding light on a critical issue in the country. In the same year, one of her photographs was awarded at the Women’s Photojournalism Awards, focusing on themes of good governance and human rights.
A Voice for the Marginalized
Bashizi’s work goes beyond capturing images; it serves as a tool for advocacy. She consistently focuses on issues such as public health, human rights, and environmental concerns. Her ongoing commitment to telling stories about marginalized members of society has gained her a place in influential networks such as the African Photojournalists Database (APJD), Women Photographers, and African Women Photographers.
One of her major collaborations was with the project Congo in Conversation, led by renowned photojournalist Finbarr O’Reilly. This project, which focuses on the DRC, played a pivotal role in launching her professional career. Since then, her work has been published in international outlets including The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Guardian, Al Jazeera, and The New Humanitarian, with a focus on stories that bring attention to the country’s ongoing crises.
Exhibitions and Global Impact
Arlette’s dedication to social justice through photography extends beyond digital publications to public exhibitions. Her project Sans Limites, which highlights the resilience of people living with disabilities, was displayed in the streets of Goma, giving it visibility and accessibility to local audiences. Her work has also been featured in group exhibitions at some of the world’s leading photography festivals, including Visa pour l’Image in France, where she shared the stage with some of the most influential photographers in the field.
In addition to her personal work, Arlette collaborates with international organizations and UN agencies, offering her expertise and perspective on various humanitarian projects. She also works with the Reuters news agency, contributing her unique insights into the complexities of life in the DRC.
A Vision for the Future
Arlette Bashizi’s story is a testament to the power of visual storytelling in effecting change. Through her lens, she continues to give voice to the voiceless, document the untold stories of Congo’s most vulnerable, and inspire action towards a better future. As a young African artist, her work is not only shaping the landscape of Congolese photojournalism but also contributing to the global conversation about human rights, environmental justice, and the importance of representation in the media.
Her recognition and success in the field continue to grow, and as she moves forward, Arlette’s influence is bound to have a lasting impact on both the art world and the humanitarian efforts she passionately supports
