Education is a known catalyst for change. And while trailblazers have carved out the path for more women to break into leadership — whether in academia, business, or beyond — creating real opportunities requires institutions and environments that support and nurture future leaders.
One such champion of this vision is Her Excellency Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi. Currently, she sits as the chairperson of the board of trustees and president of the American University of Sharjah (AUS) while chairing the Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq). She made history when she became the first Arab and second-ever female president of the International Publishers Association, an organization that has been around since 1896.
Her Excellency is also the visionary who founded Kalimat Publishing Group, the Emirates Publishers Association, and PublisHer, among other notable entities. In this interview, she talks about diversity and the role of universities such as AUS in helping women break barriers and take on more leadership roles. She also shares her insights into AUS’ strategic initiatives aimed at supporting future female leaders, from aligning programs with industry demands to facilitating exchange agreements with top universities worldwide.
As an advocate for women’s leadership across multiple sectors, what changes do you believe are essential for empowering more women in academia and beyond?
Empowering women in academia and beyond requires more than just creating leadership pathways. It needs a fundamental shift in how opportunities are structured, supported, and sustained. Barriers that have historically limited women’s access to leadership must be actively removed, ensuring they have the mentorship, visibility, and institutional backing to rise.
A key priority is fostering inclusive policies that allow 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 environments where they are valued, their achievements recognized, and their leadership potential fully realized. Representation is not just about presence; it is about impact.
Women must see themselves in leadership roles in boardrooms, research labs, and university administration so that the next generation grows up knowing these spaces belong to them. This is not just about fairness. It is about progress, innovation, and stronger decision-making. At AUS, representation is a reality. Women make up 44 percent of faculty and staff, 52 percent of students, and 38 percent of the board of trustees. More than just participants, they are actively shaping the institution’s future at every level.
How can universities like AUS better support female students and faculty in advancing their careers, breaking barriers, and taking on leadership roles?
Universities are launchpads for leadership. They shape the next generation of innovators, decision-makers, and changemakers. That means creating an environment where women lead, not just participate. At AUS, that is our commitment. Every female student and faculty member must have the tools, mentorship, and opportunities to thrive. We do not wait for change. We build it. Mentorship is key.
When women connect with accomplished professionals, doors open, confidence grows, and leadership pipelines strengthen. Through workshops, conferences, and partnerships, we ensure that every aspiring leader has access to role models who inspire and guide them. Policies matter too. Leadership must be built on merit, free from bias, and backed by real institutional support. Women must have equal footing, not just to excel but to reshape industries and drive innovation.
At AUS, this is not a theory. It is action. The Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi Endowed Chair in Women’s Leadership, the first of its kind in the UAE, is advancing 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.
With the recent approval of the AUS Five-Year Strategic Framework, what are your top priorities in shaping the university’s future?
The AUS Five-Year Strategic Framework is a clear statement of intent. It positions 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. Knowledge alone is not enough. Our students must graduate with critical thinking, adaptability, and the ability to navigate a rapidly evolving world. Graduate education is another major focus.
AUS is not just expanding programs. We are building a globally influential research institution, attracting top scholars, fostering intellectual curiosity, and ensuring research translates into real-world solutions. Faculty and staff 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 are not afterthoughts. They are essential to our long-term success. Strengthening international partnerships, diversifying revenue streams, and elevating AUS’s global reputation will ensure we remain at the forefront of higher education and research.
The AUS board of trustees has introduced key initiatives, including governance improvements and industry-aligned academic programs. How do these efforts strengthen AUS’ role as a regional leader in higher education?
Strong governance and long-term sustainability are the foundation of any institution’s success. They ensure decisions are strategic, agile, and built for impact. The AUS board of trustees has reinforced these principles through enhancements that drive transparency, efficiency, and forward-thinking leadership. With a strong institutional framework in place, we can focus on what truly matters: Preparing students for the future. And preparing students for the future means going beyond academic excellence.
A degree alone is not enough. Universities must equip students with skills, adaptability, and a mindset to thrive in a changing workforce. That is why AUS is aligning programs with industry demands, integrating experiential learning, fostering entrepreneurial thinking, and expanding interdisciplinary research opportunities. Our graduates do not just leave with knowledge. They leave with the ability to shape industries and redefine leadership.
The impact of these initiatives is clear. We are shaping the next generation of innovators, problem-solvers, and changemakers. Our role extends beyond education. We are building an institution that drives economic and societal progress — not just in the UAE, but globally.
How do international collaborations enhance opportunities for students and faculty, particularly for women pursuing careers in research and entrepreneurship?
International collaborations expand possibilities. They connect students and faculty to global networks, research advancements, and career growth. At AUS, we do not wait for opportunities. We build them. Our partnerships ensure that AUS talent is not just participating in global conversations but leading them. Through exchange agreements with leading universities — including the University of Alberta, McMaster University, Università Iuav di Venezia, and Universidad Carlos III de Madrid — our students and faculty gain immersive experiences in diverse academic environments.
The 4+1 accelerated degree programs with the University of Edinburgh and The University of Texas at Dallas give AUS students a distinct edge in a competitive job market. Beyond these agreements, AUS plays an active role in international academic networks such as the Arab Consortium for Teaching and Learning Centers and the AMICAL Consortium. These partnerships drive innovation in teaching, research, and collaboration, reinforcing AUS’s position as a global leader in higher education.
For women in academia and entrepreneurship, international networks provide more than exposure. They create access. Mentorship, high-impact research, and leadership opportunities across borders drive real change. By integrating female scholars and professionals into these global ecosystems, AUS ensures their contributions are recognized, valued, and elevated — locally and internationally.
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