20 March 2023
Founder, Geneza School of Design
Her zeal for design led her to start The Female Design Movement, which has trained over 3k women for free since 2018, intending to empower 50k more in the next decade. Her efforts have created a ripple effect, as her trainees have gone on to launch their design careers, impacting the lives of other women in their communities.
BY MITCHELLE CHIBUNDU
Brand Consultant, Founder (Geneza School of Design, Geneza Brands, TFDm), Design Advocate/Teacher. The most rewarding part of my work is watching clients' satisfaction after I deliver it. I know its importance to them, and I like to do quality work that expresses their core idea.
Tell us about your current role and the most rewarding part of your work
I worked as a graphic designer and comic illustrator.
What did you do before what you stated above?
Honestly, I have always been drawn to design and visual arts. I only studied communication at the university because there was no graphic design option.
What inspired you to pursue a career in design?
I met a young woman through The Female Designer Movement (TFDm), an initiative I founded to teach women design for free. She started her design journey from the training and discovered a passion she did not know existed. Currently, she's working for a tech company in Amsterdam. Knowing that I added value to her life and the lives of many other students makes me proud.
What is something you designed, built or contributed to that you’re utmostly proud of?
It's usually a bit spontaneous. I do a bit of everything. Go for walks, read, spend time with family, watch a movie—anything.
How do you enjoy spending your time when you’re not working?
I started The Female Designer Movement (TFDm) to solve the underrepresentation of women in Design and Technology jobs in Nigeria and Africa. The first training event I organised occurred in Lagos in March 2018, with over 300 Nigerian women in attendance. We had twenty volunteer facilitators from across the country to help ensure everyone had a personalised learning experience.
So far, we have trained over 3,000 women already for free. My goal is 50,000 women in 10 years. Our trainees go on to start businesses or launch careers by getting their first design jobs. This initiative has created a domino effect where women whose lives have been impacted have gone ahead to enrich the lives of other women in their communities.
How has your work impacted the larger community or ecosystem?
“Companies can prioritise by including a diverse team of different genders, races, and experiences in the process. Different people should collaborate, work together, and learn from each other. That way, there’s so much inclusion that benefits everyone.”
In a male-dominated industry, women should start taking responsibility and stop limiting themselves.
We should work together, promote our work, and be supportive. By working together and celebrating each other, we create a more inclusive and supportive design community, and we can help ensure that the contributions of women in design are recognised and celebrated.
Just like what you're doing with Coloured Layers. It's happening already, and it's the way to go.
What, in your opinion, should be done to make more women in design visible?
Inclusion is important in the design industry because it ensures that a diverse range of people's perspectives, experiences, and needs are considered during the design process. This way, designs are more accessible and user-centred.
Companies can prioritise by including a diverse team of different genders, races, and experiences in the process. Different people should collaborate, work together, and learn from each other. That way, there’s so much inclusion that benefits everyone.
What role does inclusion play in the design industry, and how can companies better prioritise it?
It's unpredictable. Design is constantly evolving. But I know I'm looking forward to it and seeing more women leading.
How do you see the design industry evolving over the next decade?
I would have liked to know that Brand Design was where I would be most satisfied. Don't get me wrong, though; I loved the process of figuring it out.
Is there something you know now, that you wish you knew at the beginning of your career?
Hmm...I like dogs... I’m not sure if this is exciting or unexpected, though. There’s also the fact that I used to draw comic illustrations for a period.
What is an interesting and possibly unexpected fact about you?
What would you wear to a meeting that could potentially change your life?
A comfortable pants-suit, haha. Definitely heels!
Your journey and experiences are unique to you, don’t give room to frustration in your life because you feel things are not moving as fast as they should.
Don’t compare your real-life experiences to the edited social media version of others. Don’t be complacent but occasionally remember where you started to appreciate how far you have come. You are killing it.
What advice would you give to other women pursuing a design career who feel stuck in the journey?
Continue reading
Nemi Banigo
With an impressive track record of standout projects such as the Flutterwave Design team blog and Cruuunchify, as well as her latest endeavour with Uber, her talents are undeniable. Her commitment to pushing boundaries and crafting immersive experiences is nothing short of inspiring
for anyone aspiring to make a mark
in the design industry.