Motherhood Project

Jean Bizimana 2020

Bizi’s motherhood project asks the question, ‘what does it mean to be a mother?’

These photographs are a personal exploration of the role of mothers and give an insight into motherhood in Rwanda. Bizi never had the chance to meet his own mother, and his documentation of the lives of single mothers, young mothers, experienced mothers and women who don’t have children is approached with sensitivity and inquisitiveness.

'In Rwandan culture a single mother is treated like an outcast, rejected by cultural values'. Culture measures the value of a woman by her dowry paid to her family. Without marriage she has no value. Treated without dignity, it’s assumed she isn't intelligent, she's disrespected by society and her own family.

'It used to be that when a family found out their daughter was pregnant they would send her to an island in Lake Kivu to die. Or if they didn’t want to kill her, the single mother would be sent to another village or country as a divorced woman.'

Coronavirus has added to the cultural, financial and social problems that single mothers in Rwanda face. Many people have lost their income, parents cannot provide for their children. Young mothers living with their parents are blamed for bringing financial burden to the family. Some women, in their desperation, are being taken advantage of and treated like prostitutes as men offer to pay for essential things, like food, lotions, baby diapers – they can’t refuse as their children need to be fed.

The series is made up of intimate portraits of single mothers in their homes with quotes of their own experiences. ‘I hoped to give an insight into motherhood in Rwanda. Today I asked unmarried mothers or single mothers what being a mother means to them.’

Afissa Usanase

Afissa Usanase, a resident of Kimironko Sector in Gasabo District, a single mother of a two-month-old baby, is seen hanging her child’s clothes on a cloth line. She is just 17 years old. For her, being a mother is having a child.

Ernestine Uwamahoro

Ernestine Uwamahoro, a resident of Gitega in Nyarugenge District, is a single mother with a three-month-old baby. She is 22 years old and a university student. For her, being a mother is accepting the responsibility of taking care of the little one.

Inès Uwase

Inès Uwase, 25, who lives in Biryogo neighbourhood in Nyarugenge District, is seen bathing her three-year-old daughter.

Thérèse Tuyisenge

Thérèse Tuyisenge, who also lives in Biryogo suburb in Nyarugenge District, is a single mother who gave birth to her son when she was just 14 years old and still in primary school. She is now in senior-six studying economic and she is very excited to finish her study after dropping out many times after having her son at her young age. Her son is now eight years old. For her, being a mother is being like a God, teacher, and hero.