As the world’s largest independent network of women in the print and graphic communications industry, GirlsWhoPrint has been supporting and elevating women in print and graphic communications through mentorship, education, and career-building opportunities for over 15 years. Its African extension, GirlsWhoPrint Africa, whose base of operations is in Lagos, Nigeria, recently held one of its impactful programmes – PrintHerCon’25 that connected female talent within the print ecosystem. WHERE To Print caught up with the Regional Founder of GirlsWhoPrint Africa (equally the Founder of Printstreet LTD), Ayanfeoluwa O. Ibitoye, to find out, amongst others, how the continental extension of the world’s largest professional network for women in print aims to empower African women. The summary of her response is excerpted below in this exclusive SPECIAL FEATURE INTERVIEW:
CONGRATULATIONS ON SUCCESSFULLY STAGING PRINTHERCON’25. HOW DO YOU FEEL?
Thank you very much. I feel deeply fulfilled and humbled. PrintHerCon’25 was more than an event; it was a historic moment for women in Africa’s print ecosystem. Seeing women connect, learn, share boldly, and step into leadership reminded me why this mission is so important. It affirmed that when women are given platforms, they create impact far beyond the room.
WHAT’S THE PURPOSE OF PRINTHERCON IN THE GIRLSWHOPRINT AFRICA OVERALL PROGRAMME?
PrintHerCon is a strategic empowerment engine within our larger GirlsWhoPrint Africa mission. It is where industry conversations, leadership development, technical knowledge, and collaboration converge. As part of our continental agenda, PrintHerCon helps us spotlight female talent, build community, expand networks, and ignite the visibility women need to thrive in print and allied sectors.
WILL IT BE A ONE-OFF EVENT OR CONTINUOUS, AND HOW WILL THIS BE REPLICATED ACROSS AFRICA?
PrintHerCon is an annual, continuous experience. We have no intention of stopping. Our dream is to replicate this across East, West, North, Central, and Southern Africa. We are already nurturing relationships with country ambassadors, industry stakeholders, and print associations who will help us launch localized editions in other African nations.
- (L-R @ PrintHerCon’25) Patricia Ojora, Founder, Promo Print Ventures, Mrs. Adefemi Adekoye, CEO, Printhaven, Tonya Lawani, CEO, Seal Group, Adeyinka Opasanya, Founder, Printheros, and Zainab Babatunde, CEO, Ziamak Print
MOST STAKEHOLDERS THINK GIRLSWHOPRINT IS GENDER BIASED. WHAT CAN YOU SAY ABOUT THIS, AND HOW ARE YOU CHANGING THE NARRATIVE?
GirlsWhoPrint is not anti-male — we are pro-inclusion. The goal is not to exclude men but to make room for women where they have historically been underrepresented. Our programmes involve men as allies, trainers, mentors, collaborators, and thought partners. Inclusion is the only way to build a balanced ecosystem. When women rise, the entire industry becomes stronger, more innovative, and more competitive.
WHAT ARE THE GUIDING VALUES AND MISSION OF GIRLSWHOPRINT AFRICA?
Our mission is to promote inclusion, leadership, and economic advancement for women in print and allied industries. Our guiding values are:
- Empowerment.
- Innovation.
- Collaboration.
- Visibility & Representation.
- Community Building.
We want to build a future where women are not just participating, but leading with confidence.
WHAT ARE SOME OF THE CHALLENGES THE FEMALE FOLKS FACE IN THE MARKET, AND HOW ARE YOU HELPING TO ADDRESS THEM?
Women face challenges such as limited visibility, biases against technical competence, restricted access to growth opportunities, insufficient mentorship, and work-life balance barriers. GirlsWhoPrint Africa addresses these by offering capacity-building programmes, business support, mentorship networks, leadership development, plus platforms that amplify women’s voices and achievements.
SPECIFICALLY, HOW IS GIRLSWHOPRINT AFRICA GOING TO EMPOWER AND UPLIFT THE FEMALE FOLKS IN AFRICA?
We empower women through:
- Leadership and business development programmes.
- Mentorship and skill-building.
- Access to networks and industry opportunities.
- Technical training and innovation workshops.
- Regional collaborations and visibility platforms.
- School outreach and youth initiatives.
Our blueprint ensures that women are not only participating but leading with confidence.
SO, HOW DO YOU HELP GIRLS/WOMEN ACROSS AFRICA NOT JUST TO LAUNCH AND GROW THEIR BUSINESSES, BUT ALSO TO LEAD?
We support women at three levels:
Launch – foundational training, mentorship, and business guidance.
Grow – access to networks, markets, and industry collaborations.
Lead – platforms for leadership, policy involvement, continental visibility, and thought leadership.
We want women to take centre stage — not from the sidelines, but from a position of authority and excellence.
IS THE BODY FULLY REGISTERED TO OPERATE AS AN NGO, OR HOW CAN ONE COLLABORATE AND SUPPORT GIRLSWHOPRINT AFRICA?
GirlsWhoPrint is an established NGO in the United States, and GirlsWhoPrint Africa operates as a recognized regional arm. However, our entry point on the continent is community building, not charity. We are intentional about avoiding dependency structures. Our focus is empowerment, capacity development, and ecosystem strengthening. Individuals, institutions, and organizations can collaborate through:
- Sponsorships & CSR partnerships.
- Mentorship and training collaborations.
- Scholarships for female creatives.
- Event and programme partnerships.
- School outreach and internship programmes.
- Technical support and industry alliances.
Our commitment is to build a sustainable, skilled, and empowered female-driven community in Africa’s print and allied sectors.
THE PRINTING PROFESSION HAS A DIFFERENT CONNOTATION TO THE YOUNGER GENERATION. HOW IS GIRLSWHOPRINT INSPIRING NEW TALENT?
We are reshaping the narrative by showing that print is no longer “old school” — it is innovative, creative, tech-driven, and full of opportunity. Through school outreach, internship pipelines, talent development programmes, print innovation challenges, and storytelling that highlights young professionals, we are making the industry attractive to the next generation.
WHAT MENTORSHIP OPPORTUNITY DOES GIRLSWHOPRINT AFRICA OFFER?
GirlsWhoPrint Africa runs a structured mentorship framework where women are paired with experienced leaders across continents. We offer:
- One-on-one mentorship.
- Group coaching.
- Industry masterclasses.
- Technical training.
- Leadership mentorship.
- Fireside conversations with global experts.
We are building a pipeline of confident, skilled, future-facing female leaders.
HOW ARE YOU STEPPING UP THE MEMBERSHIP DRIVE IN AFRICA?
We are expanding membership through regional chapters, country ambassadors, robust member benefits, leadership programmes, community events, and digital engagement platforms. Our goal is to create the strongest, most influential female-led print network in Africa.
HOW ARE YOU WORKING WITH SCHOOLS ON STUDENT INTERNSHIP AND MENTORSHIPS?
We are looking to collaborate with universities, design schools, and technical institutions to:
- Place students in internships
- Facilitate industrial visits
- Run print innovation labs
- Offer mentorship and peer support
- Introduce them early to print technologies
We are building the next generation of African print innovators.
THE PRINT INDUSTRY HAS MORE MEN THAN WOMEN GLOBALLY. HOW CAN THE GENDER GAP BE BRIDGED?
By providing access, visibility, training, and leadership opportunities to women. Representation matters. When young girls see women thriving in print, they find the courage to enter the industry. Our role is to create a welcoming, supportive, and empowering environment that encourages their growth.
WHAT ARE YOUR NEXT PROGRAMMES/ EVENTS, AND FOR WHICH AFRICAN COUNTRIES?
Our next phase is focused on expansion, accessibility, and deeper community engagement across the continent. The upcoming programmes include:
- PrintHerCon Regional Tours — taking the conversations, training, and collaborations to more African cities to reach women where they are.
- BoldConvo Physical/ Online Meetups — intimate, high-impact gatherings designed to spark real conversations, build confidence, and create authentic industry connections among women.
- School Outreach Programme (Project ReacHER) — our growing educational initiative designed to engage students early, introduce them to the world of print and creativity, and build a strong talent pipeline for the future.
- Country Chapter Launches — beginning with Kenya, Ghana, Rwanda, South Africa, Uganda, and Côte d’Ivoire, with more countries joining as the movement continues to grow.
- HandzON:- Skill acquisition program for young women who are just starting out in the print industry
These programmes reflect our commitment to creating visibility, opportunity, and leadership pathways for women across Africa’s print and creative industries.
ANY NEWS OR INFORMATION YOU WOULD LIKE TO ADD?
Yes — GirlsWhoPrint Africa is entering its next phase of growth. We are calling on print houses, equipment manufacturers, creatives, and educational institutions to collaborate with us. The future of Africa’s print industry must be diverse, innovative, and inclusive.
FINALLY, WHAT ARE YOUR EXPECTATIONS FOR GIRLSWHOPRINT AFRICA?
I expect GirlsWhoPrint Africa to become the most influential, impactful, and innovative network for women in print on the continent. I envision a thriving ecosystem where thousands of women are leading, creating jobs, shaping policies, and driving transformation across Africa.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME.
(L-R @ PrintHerCon’25) Ayanfeoluwa Ibitoye, Director, GirlsWhoPrintAfrica, Mrs. Tonya Lawani, CEO Seal Group, and Omotayo Omodia, Senior Country Manager, Sales & Marketing, Canon EMEA
