PublisHer was created in 2019 to empower women in publishing and address the industry’s continuing gender imbalances.
Bodour Al Qasimi, the Founder and CEO of UAE-based Kalimat Group, created PublisHer for professional women to discuss pressing publishing industry issues, learn from each other and seek creative, scalable solutions to the gender-based inequities that still characterize publishing and other creative industries worldwide.
At BCBF 2024, the PublisHer area will once again offer a variety of meetings, a dedicated book exhibition and networking opportunities. This space will provide access to meeting tables, foster connections and facilitate a survey for publishing industry stakeholders, while offering valuable insights into the PublisHer initiative.
PublisHer Excellence Awards
PublisHer launches the PublisHer Excellence Awards, which will recognize outstanding female publishing professionals who have made a meaningful difference to the industry.
Falling into three categories, the awards celebrate, elevate, and encourage women who cut their own path and light the way through their ingenuity, resilience, and vision.
- Lifetime Achievement Award - For a trailblazing publishing doyenne (minimum 20-year career) who has made a significant and enduring impact on the industry.
- Emerging Leader Award - For a rising publishing stars under 30 who has demonstrated exceptional leadership, big-picture thinking, and the power to drive positive change.
- Innovation Award - For any woman who has introduced an innovative contribution to any aspect of the publishing business.
The shortlists are:
Lifetime Achievement Award
- Akosua (Akoss) Ofori-Mensah, Publisher, Founder and Managing Director, Sub-Saharan Publishers
- Ana Maria Cabanellas, CEO, Grupo Claridad
- Shirley Yvonne Carby, Chairperson, Carlong Publishers Caribbean Ltd.
Emerging Leader Award
- Mitia Osman Tisma, CEO and Publisher, Mayurpankhi and Executive Director, Agamee Prakashani
- Fernanda Valezini Ferreira, Editor and founder, She Publishes Podcast
- Cassie Rocks, Marketing Manager, Collins and Co-Director, The FLIP
Innovation Award
- Awatef Mosbeh, CEO and Co-founder, Morbiket
- Anne Friebel, Founder and Publishing Director, Palomaa Publishing
- Jasmine Richards, Founder and CEO, Storymix