Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi on women empowerment through education

Her Highness Sheikha Bodour Bint Sultan Al Qasimi is a highly respected advocate for women's education and empowerment. She takes pride in projects aligned with industry needs and global collaborations that promote women's leadership. Education is a known catalyst for change, and while trailblazers have paved the way for more women to enter leadership positions in academia, business, or other fields, creating real opportunity requires institutions and environments that can support and nurture future leaders.

Her Highness Sheikha Bodour is one such advocate for this vision. Currently, she serves as the Chairperson and President of the American University of Sharjah (AUS) Board of Trustees and as the Chairperson of the Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq). She made history as the first Arab woman and the second woman to serve as President of the International Publishers Association since its founding in 1896. Her Highness is also the founder of prominent organizations such as Kalimat Publishing Group, the Emirates Publishers Association, and PublisHer.

In this interview, she discusses diversity and the role of universities like the American University of Sharjah in helping women break barriers and assume more leadership roles. She also shares her insights on the strategic initiatives at AUS designed to support future women leaders, including aligning curricula with industry needs and promoting exchange agreements with top universities around the world.

Her Highness believes that empowering women is not just about creating pathways to leadership, but about fundamentally changing how opportunities are structured, supported, and sustained. It is essential to actively dismantle the historical barriers that have limited women's access to leadership positions, ensuring they have the mentorship, visibility, and institutional support to thrive. A key priority is fostering inclusive policies that enable women to balance their professional and personal aspirations without compromise. Universities and workplaces must recognize that flexibility and equity are essential, not optional. Retaining and advancing women requires an environment that values them, recognizes their achievements, and fully leverages their leadership potential. Representation is not just about presence, it's about influence.

Women must see themselves in leadership positions on boards, in research labs, and in university administrations so that the next generation grows up knowing these spaces belong to them. This is not just about fairness, it's about progress, innovation, and stronger decision-making. At the American University of Sharjah, representation is already a reality. Women make up 44% of the faculty, 52% of the students, and 38% of the Board of Trustees. They are not just participants, but actively shaping the future of the institution at every level.

Universities are launchpads for leadership, shaping the next generation of innovators, decision-makers, and change agents. This means creating an environment where women lead, not just participate. At the American University of Sharjah, this is our commitment. Every female student and faculty member must have the tools, mentorship, and opportunities they need to thrive. We don't wait for change, we create it. Mentorship is crucial. When women connect with accomplished professionals, doors open, confidence grows, and leadership pipelines strengthen. Through workshops, conferences, and collaborations, we ensure that every aspiring leader has access to role models who can inspire and guide them. Policies matter, too. Leadership must be built on merit, free from bias, and backed by genuine institutional support. Women must have an equal playing field, not just to excel, but to reshape industries and drive innovation.

At the American University of Sharjah, this isn't theory, it's action. The Sheikha Jawaher Bint Mohammed Al Qasimi Endowed Chair in Women’s Leadership, the first of its kind in the UAE, elevates leadership through research, education, and outreach. Our Artist-in-Residence program brings pioneering women to AUS to mentor students and shape the next wave of creative leaders.

The American University of Sharjah’s five-year strategic framework is a clear statement of intent, positioning AUS as a leader in academic excellence, research, and global engagement. Every step we take strengthens our ability to educate, inspire, and lead. We are redefining the undergraduate experience. It's not enough to be knowledgeable; our students must be critical thinkers, adaptable, and equipped to navigate a rapidly evolving world. Graduate education is another major focus. AUS isn't just expanding programs; we're building a research institution with global impact, attracting top scholars, fostering intellectual curiosity, and ensuring that research translates into real-world solutions. Faculty are the foundation of AUS. By investing in their growth, streamlining processes, and fostering collaboration, we create an environment where educators and researchers can excel. Global engagement and financial sustainability aren't afterthoughts; they're critical to our long-term success. Strengthening international partnerships, diversifying revenue streams, and enhancing AUS's global reputation will ensure we remain at the forefront of higher education and research.

Strong governance and long-term sustainability are the cornerstones of any institution's success. They ensure that decisions are strategic, agile, and built for impact. The American University of Sharjah Board of Trustees is strengthening these principles by enhancing transparency, efficiency, and forward-thinking leadership. With a robust institutional framework in place, we can focus on what truly matters: preparing students for the future. Preparing students for the future means going beyond academic excellence. A degree alone is not enough. Universities must equip students with the skills, adaptability, and mindset to thrive in a changing job market. That’s why AUS is aligning curricula with industry needs, integrating experiential learning, fostering an entrepreneurial mindset, and expanding opportunities for interdisciplinary research. Our graduates leave not just with knowledge, but with the ability to shape industries and redefine leadership.

The impact of these initiatives is evident. We are shaping the next generation of innovators, problem-solvers, and change-makers. Our role extends beyond education. We are building an institution that drives economic and social progress – not just in the UAE, but globally.

International collaborations amplify possibilities. They connect students and faculty to global networks, research advancements, and career opportunities. At the American University of Sharjah, we don't wait for opportunities; we create them. Our partnerships ensure that AUS talent isn't just participating in global conversations, but leading them. Through exchange agreements with top universities, including the University of Alberta, McMaster University, the University of Architecture of Venice, and the Carlos III University of Madrid, our students and faculty can gain immersive experiences in diverse academic settings. 4+1 accelerated degree programs with the University of Edinburgh and the University of Texas at Dallas provide AUS students with a distinct advantage in a competitive job market. Beyond these agreements, AUS also plays an active role in international academic networks such as the Arab Association for Teaching and Learning and the AMICAL Consortium. These partnerships foster innovation in teaching, research, and collaboration, solidifying AUS's position as a global leader in higher education.

For women in academia and entrepreneurship, international networks offer more than just exposure; they create opportunity. Mentorship, high-impact research, and leadership opportunities that transcend borders drive real change. By integrating female scholars and professionals into these global ecosystems, AUS ensures that their contributions are recognized, valued, and elevated – both locally and internationally.