Geneva/Istanbul, 21 October— The Pledge for Gender Equality in Publishing, a new initiative calling on publishers worldwide to take concrete action to advance gender equality across the publishing industry and through the books and stories they bring to readers, has been launched by the “EU 4 Gender Equality: Together against gender stereotypes and gender-based violence” programme, funded by the European Union, and the International Publishers Association (IPA).
Launched at the Frankfurt Book Fair 2026, the five-point pledge recognizes the publishing industry’s unique ability to shape perceptions, challenge discriminatory social norms and influence whose voices, experiences and ideas reach audiences around the world.
The Pledge for Gender Equality in Publishing addresses these interconnected dimensions of gender equality, recognizing publishers not only as employers and industry leaders but also as influential actors in shaping culture, knowledge and public perceptions.
Through the pledge, signatories commit to:
- Advance women’s leadership and equal opportunitiesacross the publishing industry, including in editorial, creative and decision-making roles.
- Ensure safe, inclusive and supportive workplaces free from sexual harassment, discrimination and abuse, while promoting equal participation and work-life balance.
- Promote equality across the publishing ecosystem by ensuring fair opportunities, visibility and recognition for women writers, editors, illustrators, translators and other publishing professionals.
- Challenge gender stereotypes and amplify diverse voices through the books, stories and perspectives that reach readers.
17 publishing organizations, including Suhrkamp Verlag (Germany), Creative
17 publishing organizations, including Suhrkamp Verlag (Germany), Creative Women Publishing (Ukraine), Palitra L Publishing (Georgia), have already signed the pledge, marking an important first step towards building a more equal and inclusive publishing ecosystem.
“There are many amazing women in this sector but rarely do they make their way to the top. This pledge for gender equality in publishing is about publishers from around the world marking their intent to make gender equality a reality.” said Gvantsa Jobava, President of International Publisher Association.
“When publishers and industry associations stand together, authors, editors and other publishing professionals have stronger support behind them. And that is one way we can safeguard progress: by making equality a shared commitment that people can rely on when it is being challenged so broadly, ” said Olga Osaulenko, Programme Manager of “EU 4 Gender Equality: Together against gender stereotypes and gender-based violence” programme.
The EU 4 Gender Equality programme and IPA
The EU 4 Gender Equality programme and IPA invite publishing houses and organizations around the world to join the initiative and become signatories of the pledge, contributing to an industry where women have equal opportunities to lead, create and succeed, and where diverse stories can inspire readers everywhere.
Sign the Pledge for Gender Equality in Publishing
About the EU 4 Gender Equality programme
The EU 4 Gender Equality: Together against gender stereotypes and gender-based violence programme is funded by the European Union and jointly implemented by UN Women and UNFPA. The programme works to challenge discriminatory gender stereotypes and social norms, prevent gender-based violence and promote gender equality across Armenia, Georgia, Moldova, and Ukraine.
About the International Publishers Association
The International Publishers Association (IPA), based in Geneva, Switzerland, is the world’s largest federation of national, regional and specialist publishers’ associations. IPA membership comprises 105 member associations in 84 countries. Through its members, IPA represents thousands of individual publishers around the world who service more than 5.6 billion people.
EU 4 Gender Equality programme: Olga Chernyshova, Communication Specialist, [ Click to reveal ]
International Publishers Association: James Taylor, Communication Director, [ Click to reveal ]
