PublisHer, the global initiative empowering women in the publishing industry, in partnership with Visa, recently awarded Reem Madkour, founder of Dardasha, the prestigious “She’s Next in Publishing” grant at the Sharjah Publishers Conference. Selected from over 50 UAE applicants, Madkour’s female-owned business received a $50,000 (over THB 1.7 million) grant, a three-month mentorship with PublisHer and a one-year publishing licence from Sharjah Publishing City.
The selection committee evaluated nominees based on their business module, digital presence, diversity and inclusion, innovation, and problem-solving ability, as well as the strength of their business metrics. This year’s judging panel included Visa’s Salima Gutieva, Visa’s vice president and country manager for the UAE, Sharjah Book Authority’s Koula Al Mujaini, director of activities and marketing, Emirates Publishers Association’s Rashid Al Kous, executive director of Emirates Publishers Association and Zhora Qureshi from PublisHer.
Bodour Al Qasimi, founder of PublisHer, expressed her pride in supporting female-led publishing businesses, highlighting the partnership as a way to foster inclusivity and innovation. "The She’s Next program highlights the strength, commitment and creativity of women entrepreneurs in the UAE, empowering them to bring fresh perspectives to publishing,” she said.
Visa’s SMB Women Digitization Index reveals the financial needs of women entrepreneurs in the UAE, with 57% of women-owned businesses relying on personal finances and 43% depending on support from family and friends to establish their ventures. This underscores the significance of initiatives like She’s Next in providing essential resources for growth and success.
PublisHer is now accepting nominations for the 2025 PublisHer Excellence Awards, with winners to be announced on 31 March at the Bologna Children’s Book Fair. This award program celebrates outstanding female contributions to publishing across three categories: Innovation, which honours those amplifying female voices and setting industry standards; Emerging Leader, recognising female individuals who demonstrate leadership and advocacy, and Lifetime Achievement, celebrating a remarkable career in publishing, impact and dedication to the industry.
Last year’s PublisHer Excellence Awards honoured three influential women in publishing. Anne Friebel, publishing director at Palomaa Publishing, received the Innovation award for founding The Female Publisher network, connecting women across German-speaking markets, and co-hosting a podcast to elevate female voices. The Emerging Leader award went to Mitia Osman, CEO of Mayurpankhi, Bangladesh's first female-founded children’s publishing house, recognised for her advocacy in gender diversity. Shirley Yvonne Carby, chairperson at Carlong Publishers Caribbean Ltd., received the Lifetime Achievement award for her 45-year impact on literacy and author development in the Caribbean.
Through these awards, PublisHer furthers its mission to elevate women’s roles in publishing, providing mentorship, networking and resources to foster lasting impact.
