Femme StaffOgilvy Africa Network’s HerFolio, launched during Nairobi Design Week, is a groundbreaking platform designed to empower and connect female creatives across Africa, addressing the industry’s gender opportunity gap. Studies indicate that 75% of female creatives face limited career opportunities compared to men, with an equal percentage struggling to secure high-paying projects—not due to a lack of talent, but because the system is not designed for them. HerFolio seeks to bridge this gap by offering a dedicated online space where female designers, musicians, performing artists, fine artists, and other creative professionals can showcase their portfolios. The platform supports various formats, including high-resolution videos, images, and audio files, enabling creatives to present their work effectively.
HerFolio will serve as a hub for The Ogilvy Africa Network, and any other organization seeking diverse talent, to discover and connect with female creatives, leveling the playing field and fostering a more inclusive creative industry. The platform is open to all female creatives across every market in which The Ogilvy Africa Network operates, spanning 39 countries across Sub-Saharan Africa. This creates unprecedented opportunities for cross-cultural collaboration, expanded market reach, and diverse representation—all critical elements for female creatives seeking to build careers in today’s interconnected African creative economy.
Ogilvy Africa Network’s HerFolio connects female creatives across Africa, addressing industry inequalities by showcasing talent, fostering opportunities, and enabling career growth.
“We believe in the immense talent of female creatives in Africa, and we’re committed to providing them with a platform to share their work and gain the recognition they deserve.” said Chief Creative Officer, Delna Sethna. “Talent is everywhere, but opportunity isn’t. HerFolio is our answer to this imbalance—creating a space where female creative professionals can thrive and connect with brands, agencies, and collaborators who value their unique perspectives.”
Adrian Jankowiak, Design Director & Founder of Nairobi Design Week, added, “Nairobi Design Week is committed to championing diverse voices and fostering an inclusive design ecosystem. Our partnership with The Ogilvy Africa Network this year perfectly embodies this mission, providing a powerful platform for female creatives to thrive and shape the future of design.”
At the event, Delna Sethna, announced three internship opportunities within the Ogilvy Africa Network for promising female creatives. “The selection process for these internships will involve a review of portfolios submitted to HerFolio, with The Ogilvy Africa Network creative team conducting evaluations throughout Nairobi Design Week and announcing the selected candidates after the event’s conclusion.”, she said.
“Our partnership with Nairobi Design Week for the launch of HerFolio represents a powerful collaboration between two key players in Africa’s creative world”, said Vikas Mehta, Chief Executive Officer SSA, Ogilvy Africa Network. “Together, we’re creating meaningful pathways for female creative talent to thrive across the continent.”
Creative professionals can now register on the platform to showcase their portfolios and unlock opportunities including jobs and creative project collaborations.
The Nairobi Design Week, running from March 9th to March 16th, features an extensive showcase of design works from Kenyan and international designers from Uganda, Zimbabwe, workshops, and interactive installations that celebrate the intersection of tradition and innovation, highlighting the creative synergy between heritage and modernity.
Link: How to showcase your work on HerFolio
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