PublisHer Concludes Successful Warsaw Book Fair Debut

PublisHer, a worldwide network dedicated to advancing the role of women within the publishing sector, recently concluded its initial four-day program at the Warsaw International Book Fair. This participation, which took place from May 28 to 31, was integrated into Sharjah's esteemed Guest of Honour program, underscoring the emirate's commitment to fostering international cultural exchange and dialogue.

Throughout the event, visitors converged at the PublisHer exhibit, situated within the official pavilion of the Sharjah Book Authority. Here, they had the opportunity to engage with publishing professionals, readers, and industry leaders from Poland and various other countries. The program featured two significant panel discussions that placed women's leadership at the forefront of global publishing conversations.

Connecting Women in Publishing Globally

Bodour Al Qasimi, the founder of PublisHer, noted that their involvement was made possible through a strategic partnership with the Sharjah Book Authority. She highlighted that the Guest of Honour platform provided an invaluable opportunity to connect with women throughout the Polish publishing sector. Al Qasimi emphasized that the event led to the formation of new collaborations and reinforced the critical importance of building strong connections among women in publishing markets worldwide.

On May 29, PublisHer organized a prominent panel discussion on the main stage titled “Women Reshaping Global Publishing: Who Decides What the World Will Read?” This session delved into how women in leadership positions influence crucial aspects such as acquisition trends, translation decisions, and the global dissemination of narratives. The discussion was moderated by Magda Szpyrka-Ankiewicz and featured an esteemed panel including Sonia Draga, Clare Christian, and Magdalena Kłos Podsiadło.

Facilitating International Rights and Translations

A second panel was held on May 30 at the Sharjah Stage, under the title “What Translates, What Travels: Rights, Translation and Market Access Between the UAE and Poland.” This session explored the various factors that shape the movement of books across different markets and the prerequisites for achieving international success. Anna Jarota moderated the discussion, which was a collaboration with the Emirates Publishers Association. Panellists included Małgorzata Duda-Klag, Joanna Maciuk, Ameera BuKadra, and Dr. Latifa AlHaj.

PublisHer's presence in Poland was significantly supported by Sharjah’s Guest of Honour program at the fair, which was coordinated by the Sharjah Book Authority. This initiative aligns with the Authority’s broader efforts to promote Sharjah and the UAE as key international hubs for culture, literature, and the exchange of knowledge.

Source: PublisHer highlights women’s leadership at Warsaw International Book Fair 2026