Arlette Bashizi: Congolese documentary and photojournalism photographer documenting health, environmental, and cultural stories | 54Ruum Spotlight

Arlette Bashizi is a documentary photographer and photojournalist born and currently based in Goma, Democratic Republic of Congo. Most of her work focuses on health, the environment, culture, women, and youth.

In recent years, she has explored subjects ranging from the extraction of rare minerals to satisfy Western demand for electric vehicles, to the repercussions of conflict in her home country, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and in Tigray, Ethiopia, on women, as well as the destructive consequences of climate change in the region.

In 2025, she won the James Foley Award, one year after receiving an Honourable Mention at the World Press Photo Awards for her coverage of rape as a weapon of war in Ethiopia’s Tigray region.

In 2020, Bashizi contributed to the collaborative project Congo in Conversation by Finbarr O’Reilly, which marked the beginning of her professional career.

Since then, she has worked with newspapers such as The New York Times, The Washington Post, and other international newspapers. She is a contributor to the Reuters news agency and works with international organisations.

How would you describe yourself in a few sentences?

I would describe myself as a photographer documenting stories from my community through my own perspective.

How did you first get into photography?

Since childhood, I have always dreamed of becoming a journalist. As I grew up, I discovered photojournalism through the profiles of photographers on Instagram, and that is how my journey began.

What type(s) of photography do you specialise in, and why did you choose this niche?

I specialise in documentary photography and photojournalism, primarily documenting stories within my community, focusing specifically on women and youth, like myself.

Documentary photography resonates with me because my goal is not just to take pictures but also to connect with and understand the people who allow me to photograph them and share their stories.

Can you share the underlying themes or ideas that drive your photography?

I primarily document topics related to health, the environment, and culture, with a focus on human beings, particularly women and youth.

What’s the one achievement or moment in your photography career that you’re most proud of?

My first New York Times front-page story, which we worked on in Gabon about timber exploitation, and winning an Honourable Mention at the World Press Photo Awards for my story on survivors of sexual abuse.

What’s the biggest challenge you’ve faced as a photographer, and how did you overcome it?

Being a freelance photographer is quite challenging; one of my biggest hurdles was gaining the support of my family and community as a female photographer. 

They initially struggled to understand my decision to leave my job at a local radio station to pursue photography without a stable income, driven solely by passion. However, as time went by, they began to understand and embrace my passion.

If you could collaborate with anyone, who would it be and why?

For now, I would be grateful to collaborate with Nikon as a brand ambassador. Personally, I have been using Nikon for almost five years, and it is a camera brand with great functionality, yet it is still not widely used in Congo, where the photography industry is growing and represents a potential market for the brand.

What are your thoughts on the 54Ruum platform?

It is an amazing platform that promotes African art, which is usually underrepresented and undocumented in the international industry. I think we need more platforms like this within our continent.

How's the photography and art space in your country: how has it evolved in recent years?

It remains challenging to gain respect as an artist and photographer in my country. When I tell people that I am a photographer, I often receive sceptical looks, as many still see art and photography as mere hobbies rather than legitimate professions.

However, with the new generation becoming increasingly interested in art and photography, I believe things are evolving positively, and I hope this progress continues.

If you could give one piece of advice to someone just starting their photography journey, what would it be?

My advice is to be patient and gentle with yourself because the field is very competitive, and beginners often consider giving up when they don’t receive their first commission or exhibition. However, it takes time to succeed. 

Keep shooting and sharing your work on social media. One day, someone — an editor or a curator — will notice your talent, and you'll achieve the publication or exhibition you've been dreaming of.