The Ogilvy Africa Network has unveiled HerFolio, a groundbreaking platform designed to uplift and connect female creatives across Africa. Launched at Nairobi Design Week, HerFolio directly addresses the gender opportunity gap in the creative industry by providing a dedicated online portfolio space where female designers, musicians, performing artists, and fine artists can showcase their work and gain access to high-value opportunities.
Tackling the Gender Opportunity Gap
Research highlights a stark reality:
- 75% of female creatives in Africa do not receive the same career opportunities as men.
- Over 75% struggle to access high-paying projects, not due to lack of talent but because industry structures aren’t built for them.
HerFolio aims to dismantle these barriers by creating a centralized hub where creatives can upload high-resolution videos, images, and audio files as part of their portfolios, allowing brands, agencies, and collaborators to discover them.
A Platform for Representation, Inclusion, and Growth
HerFolio is open to female creatives across all 39 countries in which The Ogilvy Africa Network operates, providing an unprecedented opportunity for cross-cultural collaboration and expanded market reach.
The platform will also serve as a recruitment and discovery hub for Ogilvy Africa and other organizations looking to work with diverse creative talent, ensuring female professionals gain visibility and fair access to opportunities.
“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.”
– Delna Sethna, Chief Creative Officer, Ogilvy Africa Network
Adrian Jankowiak, Founder of Nairobi Design Week, also emphasized the importance of the initiative:
“Nairobi Design Week is committed to championing diverse voices and fostering an inclusive design ecosystem. Our partnership with Ogilvy Africa this year embodies this mission, providing a powerful platform for female creatives to thrive and shape the future of design.”
Internship Opportunities for Female Creatives
During the launch event, Delna Sethna announced three internship opportunities within The Ogilvy Africa Network for promising female creatives. The selection process will involve portfolio submissions through HerFolio, with evaluations conducted during Nairobi Design Week. The chosen candidates will be announced after the event.
Vikas Mehta, CEO of Ogilvy Africa SSA, reinforced the importance of this initiative:
“Our partnership with Nairobi Design Week for the launch of HerFolio represents a powerful collaboration between two key players in Africa’s creative world. Together, we’re creating meaningful pathways for female creative talent to thrive across the continent.”
How to Join HerFolio
Female creatives looking to showcase their work and unlock job opportunities can now register on the HerFolio platform.
Register and showcase your work on HerFolio
Nairobi Design Week 2025: A Celebration of Creativity
Nairobi Design Week runs from March 9th to March 16th and features an extensive showcase of creative works from Kenyan and international designers, including artists from Uganda and Zimbabwe. The festival includes workshops, interactive installations, and exhibitions that celebrate the intersection of tradition and innovation.
With HerFolio, Ogilvy Africa is not just creating a platform—it’s sparking a movement to redefine the creative industry for Africa’s female talent.
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