Publishing has often been described as a male-dominated industry, in all parts of the world. The people at the top usually consist of men, who have achieved scholarly or corporate excellence. But turning this tide is none other than, Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, the prolific woman publisher of the UAE. Not only is she a driving force in the development of the United Arab Emirates’ publishing industry and in promoting the development of Arabic children’s literature and reading, she is also the, Founder and CEO of Kalimat Publishing, Founder and Patron of the UAE Board on Books for Young People and the Emirates Publishers Association, and Director of Knowledge Without Borders. Quite a number of feathers in her cap, what say?
Sheikha Bodour, who in 2014 became the first Arab woman to serve on the Executive Committee of the International Publishers Association, has successfully revived the United Arab Emirates' publishing industry and worn many hats during the process.
Book publishing in the Arab world is an exciting and stimulating undertaking and, as a dynamic emerging market, the UAE is already serving as a hub for publishers and books from across the globe. In this exciting atmosphere, She has won many accolades and awards for her contributions as a successful woman entrepreneur.
Teaching a new generation of gifted and passionate publishers and writers, whose new ideas and solutions will encourage a new generation of readers, is central to Sheikha Bodour’s work. Her publishing house Kalimat is the first publishing house in the UAE dedicated solely to publishing Arabic children's books. Having released over 175 publications since its launch, Kalimat focuses on producing books for children with vibrant illustrations and stories.
This lady has placed herself firmly on the map of Middle-Eastern media. Along with its professional communication experience, KGI has been able to develop strategies and establish divisions that are considered complementary to its core business in publishing, social media and online services, content etc. Sheikha Bodour has represented women from her nation and has also stood up for them time and again, not just as a successful businesswoman, but as a woman championing common women's rights such as, right to work after marriage, right to have a career etc.
Sheikha Bodour is among a band of women who have started independent businesses that not only allow them to better juggle professional and home commitments, but also to exercise their creativity in a way the tiers of management in global businesses do not allow. Worldwide, women in publishing are coming up, be it Chiki Sarkar in India, Juliet Mabey at Oneworld with her Booker winners Marlon James and Paul Beatty, the translated fiction choices of Meike Ziervogel’s Peirene Press or Miranda West’s Do Books Company.
Do you have something interesting you would like to share? Write to us at [email protected]
