I have wondered how I could change my life, from the bondage I face. Now I hope to use this positive change and advance as a woman photographer in Sierra Leone. Photo; Martha D. Kamara

The Wilberforce Women project was launched with the support of Wilberforce 2007, Hull City Council’s commemoration of the Bicentenary.

The project linked the women of the twinned towns of Hull, and Freetown in Sierra Leone, through photography and messages of friendship.

Both towns have historical links to the slave trade; Freetown was established in 1787 as a home for former slaves, whilst Hull was home to William Wilberforce, who, with others, campaigned to have the slave trade abolished.

The first stage of the project funded by the Arts Council England, involved women from across Hull interpreting the four themes of Pride, Freedom, Belief and Change using photography.

Images produced, together with personal messages, were printed as greetings cards and in February 2007 were hand-delivered to women in Freetown, who also received basic photography skills workshops.

Pictures then taken in Freetown, based on the same themes, were brought back with personal messages, to the women of Hull.

Freedom, it was in Queen’s Gardens. I had to chase it around – it wasn’t that free! They roam around and do what they want. Photo; Lisa Bagnall

A selection of the images were displayed at the Humber BBC Open Centre and on the BBC Humber website, as well as a dedicated exhibition at the Ferens Art Gallery.

A second stage of the project, funded by Awards for All, involved the images and messages being collated into a book. The publication contains all the images from both Hull and Freetown, and shows the large variety of photographs; some appear intensely personal, whilst others are more playful.

The book has been made available to the public with proceeds contributing towards continuing the project and allowing further messages to be shared between the towns.

“Everybody must have the right to free speech. To be democratic. To give the people their rights, from hardship, and to what they think is best.” Photo taken in photo workshop. Caption by Georgina Neville

The women of Freetown have since set up their own photography group - the Women’s Photographic Organisation Sierra Leone - to continue developing the skills they have learnt and encourage other women to take up the discipline.

It is hoped there will be many more exchanges of friendship between the towns through photography.

Hull girls in front of the William Wilberforce Statue. Changing their lives by studying at Hull College. Photo; Michel Davy

For further details on the project and the book please email: wilberforcewomen@wtf.karoo.co.uk