PublisHer — the movement started by Bodour Al Qasimi to support and spur women’s publishing careers worldwide — has created its trademark platform at Thessaloniki International Book Fair to set the agenda on women’s fair representation at every top table.
From 17-19 May, PublisHer is staging daily public discussions between leading Greek publishers to explore the Impact of Women-Led Publishing Houses; Promoting Diversity in Publishing; and Women’s Role in Shaping the Literature Landscape.
PublisHer also has a striking physical presence in Stand 91, Pavilion 13, a space for networking and deal-making, and a children’s book exhibition called ‘Women, donne, femmes, Frauen, 女性, mujeres, wanawake, نساء…’.
Curated by Accademia Drosselmeier/Cooperativa Giannino Stoppani, the exhibition first appeared at Bologna Children’s Book Fair on March 8, International Women’s Day, displaying 115 books on women, their struggle for recognition and their influence on the arts, architecture, science, sport, cinema, fashion, writing and reading promotion.
In an opening keynote speech, PublisHer founder Bodour Al Qasimi expressed disappointment at the rate of progress on righting imbalances at the pinnacle of publishing.
She said: ‘The publishing world is rich with stories, yet the women who help shape many of these narratives often don’t get to lead. This is a missed opportunity that’s hurting our industry. Diversity is about unlocking human creativity, because when everyone has a seat at the table, the narratives we create are richer, and our decisions more balanced and innovative.’
The daily panel discussions have been well-attended by both women and men, many of whom enter live Q&As with the panellists to take the conversations wider.
The Impact of Women-Led Publishing Houses, on May 17, saw Women on Top cofounder Stella Kasdagli moderate an exchange between publishing leaders Ameera Ali Bin Kadra (Emirates Publishers Association, UAE); Fatma Alkhatib (Sidra, UAE); Eva Karaitidi (Hestia, Greece); and Annie Ragia (Melissa, Greece).
On May 18, Promoting Diversity in Publishing assembled Ranya Bakr (Al Arabi, Egypt); Elena Pataki (Patakis, Greece); Pola Kapola (Nissos, Greece); and Liza Siola (Stereoma, Greece), under the direction of Paris-based publishing journalist, Olivia Snaije.
And on May 19, Greek journalist Kiriaki Beioglu will steer the conversation on Women’s Role in Shaping the Literature Landscape between Efi Riza-Skyfa (Enastron, Greece); Laura di Petro (Tabla, Brazil); and Zizi Salimpa (Quercus Cultural and Media, Greece).
