AKAYA Foundation x BGID Launch DesignHER Futures 2025: A Cross-Cultural Creativity & Leadership Programme for Black Girls in the UK and Ghana

AKAYA Foundation is proud to announce an exciting new partnership with BGID (Black Girls in Design) to launch DesignHER Futures 2025; a 4-week international virtual programme aimed at nurturing the next generation of creative leaders. This unique initiative will bring together 30 Black girls aged 16-22, with 15 participants from Ghana and 15 from the UK, for an empowering journey rooted in creativity, confidence, and cross-cultural collaboration.

Running from 24th September to 22nd October 2025, the DesignHER Futures programme offers participants the opportunity to develop digital confidence, explore design thinking, and build creative leadership skills, all while engaging with real-world social challenges and connecting with a global sisterhood.

Programme Highlights:

• Week 1 – Design Your Voice:

  Foundations in creativity, storytelling, and digital skills using Canva

• Week 2 – Solve Global Challenges:

  International teams tackle issues like mental health, education, and tech access using design thinking

• Week 3 – Lead with Purpose:

  Public speaking, mentorship from Black women in tech, media & design

• Week 4 – Final Showcase:

  Virtual pitch presentations judged by industry experts with certificates awarded

Key Outcomes:

• Increased creative and digital confidence

• Real-world experience in teamwork and problem-solving

• Elevated public speaking and leadership skills

• A new global sisterhood of ambitious Black girls

This collaboration reflects AKAYA’s continued commitment to ensuring young African girls and women are equipped with the tools, networks, and belief to reach their full potential. Through this partnership with BGID, we’re designing futures - powered by purpose, and led by girls.

🖥️ Applications are now open!

Visit https://forms.gle/DrQCZ68JxCMoHgWe9 to register and join the movement.