Advancing Women’s Leadership in Global Publishing
PublisHer, a worldwide community dedicated to empowering women within the publishing sector, recently concluded its inaugural four-day program at the Warsaw International Book Fair. This participation, which took place from May 28 to May 31, was integrated into Sharjah’s esteemed Guest of Honour program, underscoring the emirate’s commitment to fostering international cultural dialogue and exchange.
Throughout the fair, the PublisHer stand, situated within the official Sharjah Book Authority pavilion, served as a hub for engagement. It welcomed publishing professionals, readers, and industry leaders from Poland and various other countries, facilitating valuable interactions and networking opportunities.
Key Discussions on Women’s Influence
The program featured two significant panel discussions, both of which centered on the critical role of women’s leadership in shaping global publishing conversations. Bodour Al Qasimi, Founder of PublisHer, emphasized that this participation was made possible through a strategic partnership with the Sharjah Book Authority. She noted that the Guest of Honour platform provided an invaluable opportunity to connect with women across the Polish publishing landscape, leading to new collaborations and reinforcing the importance of strong global networks among women in the industry.
On May 29, PublisHer hosted a primary stage panel titled “Women Reshaping Global Publishing: Who Decides What the World Will Read?” This session delved into how women leaders influence key aspects such as acquisition trends, translation decisions, and the worldwide distribution of narratives. Moderated by Magda Szpyrka-Ankiewicz, the panel featured insights from Sonia Draga, Clare Christian, and Magdalena Kłos Podsiadło.
A second panel, “What Translates, What Travels: Rights, Translation and Market Access Between the UAE and Poland,” was held on May 30 at the Sharjah Stage. This discussion, moderated by Anna Jarota in collaboration with the Emirates Publishers Association, explored the critical factors that govern the movement of books across different markets and the prerequisites for achieving international success. Panellists included Małgorzata Duda-Klag, Joanna Maciuk, Ameera BuKadra, and Dr Latifa AlHaj.
PublisHer’s involvement in Poland was a direct result of Sharjah’s Guest of Honour program at the fair. This initiative was coordinated by the Sharjah Book Authority, aligning with its broader efforts to position Sharjah and the UAE as prominent global centers for culture, literature, and the exchange of knowledge.
Source: PublisHer highlights women’s leadership at Warsaw International Book Fair 2026
