The Emirates Publishers Association (EPA) has signed a strategic partnership with PublisHer, forming a new collaboration aimed at reinforcing the growing network of women publishers and expanding its global influence in advocating for progress across the publishing industry.
The agreement is aligned with the vision of PublisHer, the international initiative created by Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, which seeks to empower women, promote diversity, and advance gender equality throughout the global publishing sector.
Under the partnership, the two organisations will work together to elevate the role of women in the UAE’s publishing and creative fields, enhance their reach regionally and internationally, and increase opportunities for institutional cooperation. Plans include creating new avenues for participation, representation, and mentorship, along with launching joint activities at major cultural events and both local and international book fairs.
Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Founder of PublisHer and Founder and Honorary President of the EPA, said the partnership represents an important milestone in consolidating efforts and amplifying the impact of initiatives aimed at supporting women in publishing. She noted the importance of empowering women in creative industries, adding that the collaboration will contribute to a fairer and more innovative global publishing landscape.
Rashid Al Kous, Executive Director of the EPA, described PublisHer as a powerful global platform that is influencing the publishing industry through its work to close gender disparities. He highlighted the EPA’s shared commitment to strengthening women’s representation and supporting their contributions to cultural and social development worldwide. Al Kous said the agreement will help expand the PublisHer community and convert its ambitions into practical, results-driven projects.
As part of the arrangement, PublisHer will provide the EPA with several rights, including participation in its events and the ability to organise sessions led by EPA women publishers. In exchange, the EPA will support the initiative by nominating women speakers for international platforms, facilitating cooperation agreements, and allocating dedicated space for PublisHer within EPA stands at local book fairs. The Association will also help co-organise conferences and extend exclusive benefits to PublisHer members through its membership framework.
According to both organisations, the partnership marks an important step towards aligning expertise and accelerating progress on PublisHer’s mission in both regional and global contexts. It also aims to strengthen a publishing ecosystem that encourages equality, supports creativity, and enables women to lead and succeed.
