The Emirates Publishers Association has signed a strategic partnership agreement with the 'Publish Her' initiative. The goal is to expand its network of female publishers and enhance its impact in driving the desired positive change in the global publishing community, thereby supporting the vision and goals of this inspiring international initiative founded by Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi to empower women, promote diversity, and ensure gender equality in this vital sector worldwide. Under the agreement, the two parties will collaborate to amplify the voice of women in the publishing and creative industries in the United Arab Emirates, solidifying their presence on regional and international levels. This will be achieved by opening new avenues for corporate cooperation on both platforms, creating reciprocal opportunities for representation and participation, and supporting mentoring and development programs for women in the sector. Additionally, joint initiatives will be launched at major local and international exhibitions and events. Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, founder of 'Publish Her' and the Honorary President of the Emirates Publishers Association, stated: 'This partnership represents a firm commitment from both parties to support the leading role of women in publishing through practical and impactful initiatives. It is a significant step towards unifying efforts and expanding our influence by providing broader platforms for professional empowerment and building international networks of cooperation that contribute to creating a more balanced and open publishing ecosystem. It is a clear message that supporting women in creative industries is a strategic necessity to drive the sector towards sustainable growth and real change.' She added: 'Through this partnership, ambition is united with action to create a more just and innovative global publishing system, turning our collective efforts into a collective force driving towards a future where equal opportunities for women in the sector are created.' Rashid Al Kous, Executive Director of the Emirates Publishers Association, said: ''Publish Her' is an influential global women's platform reshaping the publishing industry by addressing the gender gap with a clear transformative narrative. It is an active community that adopts creative thinking to find realistic and applicable solutions, promoting equality and addressing disparities in publishing and creative industries. We in the Emirates Publishers Association share a common vision and eagerness with this pioneering initiative to stimulate the greater presence of women in publishing and support their contribution to the cultural and social development journey worldwide.' Through this partnership, 'Publish Her' grants the Association a set of rights that allow it to participate in the initiative's events and organize sessions led by female publishers who are members of the Association. In return, the Association commits to supporting 'Publish Her's efforts by nominating speakers to represent it internationally, providing its members with access to the Association's partners, facilitating cooperation agreements, and offering space for the initiative in the Association's pavilion at local book fairs, as well as organizing joint conferences. Additionally, special membership benefits are provided to 'Publish Her' members in the Association. This partnership serves as a catalyst for the pace of joint work and unifying expertise to support the path of change led by 'Publish Her' on regional and international levels, aiming for a more equitable and empowering publishing sector with broader opportunities for women's creativity and growth.
