For the first time in Saudi Arabia, a woman will hold the position of editor at a major newspaper.
Somayya Jabarti has been appointed the editor-in-chief of the national English-language daily paper, the Saudi Gazette.
Although other women have headed magazines, this is the first time a national daily newspaper has put a woman at the helm.
It is an unprecedented level of public power in female hands for the conservative Arab nation, with the former editor-in-chief Khaled Almaeena calling the appointment historic”.
“She’s the first editor-in-chief of a Saudi paper – English or Arabic-language,” he said. “In Saudi Arabia it’s a major achievement.”
Jabarti, who had already made history when she was appointed the Managing Editor and Deputy Editor of a daily Saudi publication, is a prominent player in the movement for the empowerment and emancipation of women in the country.
“There’s a crack that has been made in the glass ceiling. And I’m hoping it will be made into a door,” she said.
“This is a first for a Saudi daily… A mould has been broken where editors-in-chief of Saudi daily newspapers are concerned.”
She said that she feels great responsibility in the new position, given that her success may have a bearing on other women’s careers.
“Being the first Saudi woman [newspaper editor] is going to be double the responsibility… One’s actions will reflect upon my fellow Saudi women.
“The success will not be complete unless I see my peers who are also Saudi women in the media, take other roles where they are decision makers.”
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