PublisHer: a platform for visibility, mentorship, and skills development

Founded in 2019 by Bodour Al Qasimi, a leading Emirati publisher and former President of the International Publishers Association, PublisHer is a global initiative advancing gender equality in publishing. It serves as a community and catalyst, empowering women to lead and transform the industry from the inside.Here, Bodour shares more about this initiative and more. Excerpts.

Inspiration behindPublisHer…

“PublisHer began with a question I couldn’t ignore: Why, in an industry that is supposed to represent everyone and reflect the full range of human stories, were so few women in leadership positions? When I asked peers and colleagues across the industry, and no one could give a clear or satisfying answer about why publishing has remained so stubbornly “a gentleman’s profession”.In response, I decided to create a space where women could come together, share experiences, and begin to untangle this complex issue. The goal was to join forces and drive the kind of change that felt long overdue—not just in individual careers but across the global culture of publishing. That’s how PublisHer came into the world,” shares Bodour.

“What began as a small conversation quickly grew into a platform for action. Today, PublisHer is a globally recognized platform for visibility, mentorship, and skills development—championing change that empowers womento not only participate, but to lead and leave a legacy,” she adds.

Impact of personal journey onPublisHer…

“Since joining the publishing industry, I have faced my fair share of challenges—from being the only woman in rooms full of male publishing executives to encountering the subtle forms of resistance that often comes when you are perceived as different. Whether because of gender, cultural background, geography, or being part of what some perceive as a minority voice, I know what it feels like to walk into a room and be doubted before saying a word.Over time, I realized I was not alone in this. I heard similar stories from women publishers across different regions at different stages of their careers. The patterns were too consistent to ignore. That is when it became clear that the issue was not individual, but structural.PublisHer was created to respond to that shared reality. It is not about individual experiences but about collective progress. Our goal is not just to raise awareness but to lead meaningful change through connections, skills, and opportunities that empower more women to rise and lead in the publishing industry,” she shares.

Barriers that women in publishing face…

“The greatest barrier women face in publishing is the status quo. Many leaders in the publishing sector still struggle to envision a world where women lead such a global and influential industry. But they must open their eyes and look around them. The world is moving forward, and evolving quickly. Women have already proven, beyond doubt, that they can successfully lead countries, industries, and institutions with strength, ambition andvision.And yet, within the publishing world, the barriers are often quieter and more persistent. Women are not overlooked because they lack the ability but because they lack access—to mentorship, to decision-making spaces and to the kinds of high-impact projects that help build visibility and influence over time,” shares Bodour.

“Another challenge is the limited availability of strong, sustainable support networks. While some networks do exist, they are not always accessible or consistent, especially in regions where women in publishing remain a minority. Without that backing, many women find it harder to take risks, stay motivated, or navigate the pressures that come with leadership. These barriers are not always visible, but their effects are real. PublisHer was created to clearly name these challenges and build solutions that provide women with the support and opportunities they have long deserved,” she adds.

How PublisHer shaped up…

“Every step we’ve taken has been shaped by feedback from our global consultations. When women in publishing told us there was a need for more inclusive workplace practices, PublisHer responded with a guide on hiring and promotion, helping publishing business adjust their practices to foster greater diversity and equity.Recognizing the importance of critical skills development for career growth, we introduced workshops into our lounges at major global publishing events. When women told us their contributions were often overlooked we launched the PublisHer Excellence Awards to recognize and amplify their impact.We listen closely because the direction of PublisHer must reflect the needs of the women thatwe exist to support,” she shares.

Models for inclusive and equitable practices…

“There are certainly markets where women in publishing have made significant progress and where the environment is more inclusive. We have seen encouraging examples of women leading major publishing houses, shaping policy, and setting industry agendas.At the International Publishers Association, it has been encouraging to witness this shift firsthand. During my term as President, I became the first woman from the Arab and Muslim world and only the second woman in the organization’s history to hold the role. Since then, two more women have stepped into that position. That kind of continuity sends a strong message about how far we have come.However, there is still work to do globally. Progress is uneven, and many women continue to face systemic barriers that hinder their advancement. Our focus at PublisHer is to ensure that inclusion and equity are not the exception but the norm, regardless of geography,” shares Bodour.

Advice to a young woman entering the publishing industry…

“First, know that your voice has value. You may walk into spaces where you feel invisible or underestimated, but that does not mean you don’t belong. It means there is still work to be done, and your presence is already part of that change.Wherever possible, connect to a network of supportive women. If one does not exist around you, consider joining PublisHer or start your own local network or group. There’s real power in coming together. Community gives us strength, perspective, and momentum, which are hard to build alone.Also, look to the future. Do not let the legacy of exclusion limit your vision. You are not here to repeat what has already been done. You are here to shape what is possible now. The past may not have made space for you, but the future can. And you can help to define it.Stay curious.Stay focused. Surround yourself with people who challenge you to grow. Leadership does not require perfection, only the willingness to take the first step forward,” shares Bodour.

Experience and learning as former President of the International Publishers Association…

“There is a certain irony in the fact that, historically, women have not been supported or promoted into leadership roles in publishing, and yet my time leading the International Publishers Association came at a time when strong and dynamic leadership was most urgently needed. I assumed the IPA presidency at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, when the entire world, including our sector, was facing fear, uncertainty and unprecedented disruption. In response, we launched several initiatives quickly and strategically to support the worldwide publishing community. We organized global conversations, created safe spaces for publishers to connect and support each other, and ensured continuity by moving our meetings and events online. We didn’t just maintain momentum—we built new platforms for collaboration and growth.We also commissioned white papers and developed practical guides to help publishers rethink their business models and strengthen their resilience in the face of global disruption. That period demanded unity, clarity, and forward thinking, and I believe we delivered precisely that,” she shares.

On Sharjah as a cultural capital…

“Sharjah’s cultural strength is the result of one man’s vision. His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and the Ruler of Sharjah envisioned building an emirate where human development would serve as the foundation for all progress. In his view, culture and knowledge are not optional; they are essential to shaping a cohesive, forward-looking society.Bringing this vision to life meant placing cultural infrastructure at the core of Sharjah’s development. From flagship events like the Sharjah International Book Fair and the Sharjah Children’s Reading Festival to the creation of Sharjah University City, which is now recognized as a regional powerhouse of knowledge, every effort has been anchored in the idea of long-term investment in people.We have launched programs that nurture writers, poets, publishers, translators, and artists and continue to build partnerships that create meaningful cultural bridges with other countries. These efforts have helped Sharjah grow from a regional center of dialogue into a globally respected voice in literature and publishing,” she shares.

“This journey has been marked by international recognition, including being named UNESCO World Book Capital in 2019. That honor reflected decades of consistent effort and a clear commitment to making books, literacy, and cultural access available to all.Sharjah’s approach has never been about trends. It is grounded in values, driven by purpose, and guided by a deep belief in the power of culture to enrich lives and shape stronger societies,” shares Bodour.

Participation at Rabat International Publishing and Book Fair…

“The relationship between Sharjah and the UAE, and Morocco, is deep and historic. We share a great deal culturally, and our literary ties continue to grow stronger. Before we participated in the Rabat International Publishing and Book Fair, Morocco was Guest of Honour at the Sharjah International Book Fair just five months earlier. That exchange was enriching on many levels, and our presence in Rabat felt like a natural continuation of that historic relationship.Morocco is globally recognized as a cultural powerhouse with a long and rich literary tradition. Being part of the fair was both meaningful and energizing. The engagement we experienced with Moroccan publishers, authors, and cultural leaders was thoughtful, forward-looking, and deeply rooted in pride for their literary heritage. We all came back from that participation with a renewed desire to build more bridges, deepen our cooperation, and create new opportunities for exchange. It reminded us of the value of cultural partnerships and the shared responsibility we have in shaping the future of publishing across the region,” tells Bodour.

What next for PublisHer?

“My dream is that one day, PublisHer will no longer be needed. My ultimate ambition is to see a world where women in publishing are as free to grow in their careers as their male counterparts, and where young women entering the industry are offered the same opportunities, compensation, career trajectories, and leadership pathways.Right now, that is not the reality in many places. The systems we work within were not designed with women in mind. From how we define leadership potential to how we accommodate family responsibilities; the structure still leans heavily in one direction. Until that changes, our work goes on,” tells Bodour.

“We will continue to launch initiatives, organize programs, unify voices, and lobby for what we believe should be a right, not a privilege. The focus will stay on building fundamental tools, creating real access, and supporting women in ways that make lasting change possible,” she adds.