Founded by Sheikha Bodour Al Qasimi, the free eight-week online program aims to equip women with leadership and modern publishing skills.
SHARJAH, July 2, 2026 — PublisHer, the global movement dedicated to advancing women’s leadership in the publishing industry, has officially announced the launch of ‘PublisHer Studio’. The initiative is a first-of-its-kind global online learning platform designed to equip women with the essential knowledge, technological skills, and professional networks required to navigate the future of publishing. Applications for the inaugural cohort opened on July 1 and will remain accessible until August 1, 2026.
The launch of PublisHer Studio comes as a direct response to major shifts in the global publishing landscape, driven by rapid advancements in artificial intelligence, technological innovation, evolving business models, and an increasingly interconnected international marketplace. The eight-week online program, which begins on October 5, 2026, will select 20 women from around the world to participate entirely free of charge. The curriculum will be led by prominent publishing leaders, industry experts, and specialist trainers.
Distinct from traditional professional development models, PublisHer Studio adopts a comprehensive approach. Alongside practical industry knowledge, the curriculum emphasizes interpersonal growth, leadership strategies, and self-management skills necessary for building sustainable careers. The initiative is the culmination of seven years of research, global events, and strategic partnerships conducted by the organization.
Reflecting on the milestone, Her Highness Sheikha Bodour Al Qasimi, Founder of PublisHer, stated: “For seven years, PublisHer has been listening to women across the global publishing industry. We consistently find that besides career opportunities, women are hungry to build the knowledge, confidence and networks that enable them to lead. PublisHer Studio is our answer: a publishing-specific learning platform combining industry knowhow, frontier skills and new avenues for professional growth. When women are empowered to lead, it makes the whole publishing ecosystem stronger, more innovative and more representative of the audiences it serves.”
The curriculum features expert-led modules, live discussions, and masterclasses covering a wide array of topics, including international market strategies, business fundamentals, artificial intelligence, marketing, communication, and mental wellbeing. Upon successful completion of the course, participants will receive an official certificate alongside a complimentary one-year PublisHer Premium membership to facilitate ongoing networking.
The program is open to women aged 18 and over currently working in the book publishing industry who possess fluency in English. The selection committee will place particular emphasis on applicants from small and independent publishing houses, junior- to mid-career professionals, and individuals entering the industry with transferable skills.
Following the August 1 deadline, the selected cohort will begin the course in October, which is scheduled to conclude on November 29, 2026, followed by a virtual graduation ceremony in December. Interested candidates can submit their applications through the official portal at womeninpublishing.org.
