PublisHer, the international network founded by Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi to support women in overcoming professional challenges in the publishing sector, honoured three prominent women leaders during the second edition of the PublisHer Excellence Awards. The honour is in recognition of their influential contributions to developing the publishing industry and driving it towards new horizons of innovation and diversity.
The awards ceremony, which was held on the sidelines of the 62nd Bologna Children’s Book Fair, highlighted the achievements of women who played a pivotal role in shaping the publishing industry, driving innovation, and inspiring a new generation of ambitious young female leaders.
In her keynote address, Sheikha Bodour Al Qasimi emphasised the importance of strengthening women’s presence in the publishing industry, a field long dominated by men. She highlighted how these exceptional women have shaped their own paths and paved the way for countless others worldwide. “Tonight, we celebrate their achievements and the hope they inspire for a brighter future for women in global publishing,” she said.
Dalia Mohamed Ahmed Ibrahim received the Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of her distinguished career marked by creativity, dedication, and significant contributions to the Arab publishing sector. She was also honoured for breaking societal and professional barriers, inspiring successive generations of women in the Arab world.
Humairaa Dudhwala was awarded the Emerging Leader Award for her promising leadership, innovative vision, and outstanding efforts in supporting and empowering fellow women publishers in the early stages of their careers.
The Innovation Award was presented to Hana Hamzeh in recognition of her pioneering initiatives in developing the publishing industry through creative solutions and forward-looking strategies, enabling publishers to adapt and thrive in an ever-evolving market.
These awards reflect PublisHer’s ongoing commitment to amplifying women’s voices, promoting diversity and equal opportunities, and driving change within the global publishing community. The network remains dedicated to building professional support systems and empowering women worldwide.
The awards ceremony was part of a four-day programme in Bologna, where PublisHer launched its first international lounge. This space hosted a series of events aimed at fostering female leadership, encouraging entrepreneurship, and supporting professional development in publishing.
The programme featured interactive panel discussions with leading women in global publishing, covering key topics such as mentorship, future leadership, attracting young talent and innovation in the industry. Specialised sessions explored creative publishing strategies, emerging voices, and transformative leadership models.
Participants had the opportunity to engage directly with top industry leaders, expand their professional networks, and gain practical insights to advance their careers—helping shape a more inclusive and innovative future for the publishing industry.
