Collection: Denyse K. Uwera

Denyse K. Uwera is a multi-faceted content creator, based in Kigali, Rwanda.
Prior to becoming an independent photographer and content creator, Denyse worked for renowned creative agencies in the East African region and internationally. With a combined experience of photography and brand development, Denyse is passionate about creating strong stories that contribute to social change. Since 2018, she chose to focus on photography as her primary medium of storytelling because she sees photography as a great tool to connect culture and communities and to understand different parts of the world. 

Denyse’s focus is on photography and content that seeks to broaden the expected narrative of her subjects. A true daughter of Rwanda, women’s empowerment is a subject close to Denyse’s heart, she has seen what is possible when women have space to become innovative and impactful leaders and she believes wholly in the ability of women – at all socio-economic levels – to make a significant contribution to the well being of their communities. Her first solo exhibition, “Strong Women behind a Strong Coffee” was held in May 2019 and allowed Denyse the opportunity to turn her camera on the very women she most admires. This book, “Strong Women behind a Strong Coffee” was born out of Denyse’s successful exhibit and it features stunning black and white portraits of women from all parts of the coffee production and supply chain, and it tells their stories, allowing the reader an opportunity to get a glimpse into the lives of these resilient and inspiring women. Denyse prefers to portray people in black and white photographs because she believes this helps her offer others a glimpse into souls and true feelings of the subjects, allowing the audience to make a genuine connection. 

Denyse holds a Bachelor of Science in Creative Design from the National University of Rwanda and strongly believes that in the power and dignity that lies in African women owning and telling their own stories.