As African women continue to break barriers in the printing and packaging industry, GirlsWhoPrint, a global non-governmental organisation has stepped forward to instill leadership, innovation and ethical standards among practitioners.
Ayanfeoluwa Ibitoye, the regional founder of GirlsWhoPrint Africa disclosed that the organisation’s push to expand women’s leadership, innovation, and ethical standards across Africa’s printing and packaging industry extends far beyond gender parity.
Ibitoye speaking at the event, themed “The Future of Print and The Women Leading” held in Lagos, emphasised that the organisation’s mission is to empower women in print, and it is not just about equality.
“We believe that empowering women in print is not just about equality; it is about unlocking innovation, driving economic growth, and shaping the future of a vital industry that powers communication, culture, and commerce across the continent,” she said.
She highlighted the power of collaboration as a core pillar of the organization’s impact, when she said; “Everyone can learn from each other, that is the power of community.”
Besides, she reiterated that GirlsWhoPrint Africa was established to amplify women’s voices, foster collaboration, and create lasting opportunities for professional growth.
Ibitoye further described the conference as a platform to elevate the contributions of African women in print while advocating for empowerment, creativity, and inclusive industry advancement.
“As Africa’s creative economy grows, we remain committed to ensuring that women are not only participants but trailblazers shaping the industry’s future,” Ibitoye stated.
The event brought together female professionals, entrepreneurs, and innovators from across the continent for a transformative dialogue on the sector’s future.
Patricia Ojora, the chief executive officer at Promo Print Ventures, in her keynote address, called for courage and intentional leadership in an era defined by technological disruption.
She urged industry players to rise above uncertainty, embrace innovation, and lead with clarity and purpose.
Ojora further noted that many businesses are navigating pressures of reinvention, sustainability, and digital transformation, underscoring the need for bold, future-ready leadership to steer the print sector forward.
Tonya Lawani, the chief executive officer at Seal Group, challenged participants to eliminate procrastination, describing it as “an enemy of progress.”
She encouraged women to take ownership of their ambitions, act decisively, and execute their visions with discipline.
Meanwhile, the conference featured mentorship sessions, skill-building workshops, and panels on digital innovation, sustainability, and women’s leadership, reinforcing its mission to build a more inclusive print ecosystem across Africa.
Moreover, it highlighted the achievements and resilience of women shaping the print and packaging landscape, while advancing conversations on sustainability, digital transformation, and inclusive leadership in an industry witnessing rapid technological disruption.
According to a statement from the organisers, the PrintHerCon series aims to spotlight women whose creativity and expertise continue to redefine the limits of print technology and packaging innovation.
The statement added that Girls Who Print, a global network of more than 15,000 members, has grown into the world’s largest platform dedicated to empowering women in the print industry.
It stated that the recent expansion into Africa marks a significant milestone, establishing a regional network designed to help women break barriers, access opportunities, and assume leadership positions across the continent’s creative and manufacturing sectors.
