Saudi Gazette chairman Khaled Almaeena says the kingdom’s first female editor-in-chief was an appointment made on merit.

“I have been grooming Jabarti for 10 years and if the Saudi Gazette did not do this today, a woman would not have made it to such a senior position for at least another 15 to 20 years,” Almaeena tells MEED.

The Saudi Gazette announced the appointment of Somayya Jabarti on the front page of the Jeddah-based paper on 16 February.

Just three years ago in 2011, her promotion was rejected by the kingdom’s regulatory body the Saudi Journalists Association (SJA).

Almaeena describes the 44 year old as dedicated, hardworking and a qualified journalist. Jabarti began her career as desk editor at rival newspaper Arab News, where she rose up the ranks to become executive editor and deputy managing editor. Jabarti has a master’s in European languages and literature from King Abdulaziz University in Jeddah.

Almaeena says he has received thousands of letters in support of the newspapers new female leadership.

According to the World Bank 2013 Mena development report, 12 per cent of the Saudi workforce is female.

The World Economic Forum Gender Gap Report 2013 shows Saudi Arabia has the largest income gap between men and women in high-ranking positions. The report also shows the kingdom fares as the most improved nation since 2006 with regard to female labour participation.