Women in Publishing: Glass ceilings and paper walls

Women have long played a defining role in publishing, shaping stories, preserving cultural memory, and amplifying voices across continents. Yet, despite their contributions, too few rise to senior leadership positions or have equal access to opportunities to influence the industry at the highest levels. Thirty years after the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, progress remains uneven — and in today’s climate of gender pushbacks, even hard-won gains are increasingly at risk.

This panel will examine the barriers that continue to limit women’s advancement in publishing, from systemic biases and unequal access to resources, to workplaces that do not always guarantee safety and dignity. It will also explore how pushbacks to gender equality are threatening the space for women’s leadership, and how the sector can respond with determination.

Looking ahead, the discussion will highlight the responsibility of publishers, industry associations, and cultural institutions to not only defend but expand opportunities for women — ensuring equitable career pathways, strengthening economic empowerment, and fostering work environments free from violence and harassment. By focusing on concrete measures, this conversation will underline how women’s empowerment in publishing is central to building a more inclusive, innovative, and sustainable industry.