The second day of the First Feminist and Independent Publishing Conference 2026 concluded with a session titled “Experiences and Testimonies in Feminist Publishing,” featuring Nawara Belal from Jeem, Haneen Saleh from Sout Media, and designer Zubair Fares from Elles Publishing House, moderated by Ragai Moussa.
The session focused on the practical and editorial dimensions of feminist publishing, from editing, proofreading, and interior formatting to cover design and audio publishing, while also discussing the role of language, accessibility, and alternative publishing formats in creating more inclusive and diverse spaces.
Nawara Belal emphasized the importance of editorial practice in shaping feminist literature, noting that a feminist perspective can be integrated into the handling of any text. She stressed the use of clear and inclusive language that avoids bias and supports diverse voices and forms of writing. “Our primary focus is language,” she said, describing it as a tool capable of reshaping dominant narratives.
Meanwhile, Haneen Saleh spoke about audio publishing as an effective means of expanding the presence of women’s voices and creating safer spaces for expression, particularly regarding personal and sensitive stories. She explained that sound gives stories a stronger ability to reach and impact audiences.
Zubair Fares also shared his experience designing covers for feminist publications, discussing the relationship between visual identity and content, and emphasizing the importance of maintaining clear visual directions while leaving room for spontaneity and experimentation in cover design.
The closing session reflected many of the shared themes discussed throughout the conference, including sustainability, accessibility, collaboration, and the need to rethink publishing through new economic models and different digital and audio formats.
The conference concluded by reaffirming publishing as a space for creating new narratives and expanding the visibility of voices that often remain outside the dominant cultural scene, reflecting the role that Elles Publishing House seeks to establish through the conference as a platform for dialogue, experimentation, and the exchange of experiences.
