Ogilvy Africa Network has officially launched HerFolio at Nairobi Design Week, unveiling a groundbreaking platform designed to connect, empower, and elevate female creatives across Africa. This first-of-its-kind initiative aims to address the gender opportunity gap in the creative industry by providing a dedicated space for women to showcase their talent and access high-value opportunities.
Tackling the Gender Disparity in the Creative Industry
Despite their talent, 75% of female creatives in Africa struggle to secure career opportunities and well-paying projects due to systemic barriers, not a lack of skill. HerFolio seeks to change this by creating a centralized online hub where female designers, musicians, fine artists, performing artists, and other creative professionals can present their work in high-resolution videos, images, and audio formats.
Beyond showcasing portfolios, HerFolio will serve as a discovery tool for brands, agencies, and creative organizations—including Ogilvy Africa Network—seeking diverse female talent. The platform is available to creatives from all 39 African markets where Ogilvy Africa operates, fostering cross-cultural collaboration and expanding market reach for women in the industry.
A Platform Built for Recognition & Inclusion
“We believe in the immense talent of female creatives across Africa and are committed to ensuring they receive the recognition they deserve,” said Delna Sethna, Chief Creative Officer at Ogilvy Africa Network. “Talent is everywhere, but opportunity isn’t. HerFolio is our solution—giving women in the creative industry a space to showcase their work, connect with brands, and thrive.”
The initiative was also praised by Adrian Jankowiak, Founder and Design Director of Nairobi Design Week, who highlighted the importance of inclusivity: “Nairobi Design Week is dedicated to amplifying diverse voices in the creative industry. Partnering with Ogilvy Africa to launch HerFolio aligns perfectly with our mission to foster a more inclusive and equitable design ecosystem.”
Internship & Career Opportunities Through HerFolio
As part of the launch, Ogilvy Africa announced three exclusive internships for female creatives. The selection process will be based on portfolios submitted through HerFolio, with Ogilvy’s creative team reviewing applications during Nairobi Design Week and announcing the selected candidates after the event.
“Our collaboration with Nairobi Design Week represents a powerful step toward building long-term pathways for female creatives,” said Vikas Mehta, CEO of Ogilvy Africa Network SSA. “By launching HerFolio, we are actively working to close the gender gap in Africa’s creative industry and drive real change.”
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Unlocking New Opportunities for Female Creatives
Female creatives across Africa can now register on HerFolio, gaining access to:
- A dedicated portfolio space to showcase their work.
- Connections with brands, agencies, and collaborators looking for diverse talent.
- Opportunities for jobs and creative collaborations across multiple industries
The Nairobi Design Week, running from March 9–16, 2025, features a wide range of exhibits, workshops, and installations from designers across Kenya, Uganda, Zimbabwe, and beyond. The event celebrates the fusion of tradition and modernity, reinforcing the role of innovation in African design.
Michelle Ndebele of Voi Jewellery presents her designs to Delna Sethna and Adrian Jankowiak at Nairobi Design Week 2025, where HerFolio was launched to support female creative professionals.For more information on how to showcase your work on HerFolio,