RIYADH: A Saudi sociologist aims to counter stereotypes about her country with a coffee table book profiling successful Saudi women, she said on the eve of International Women’s Day.

Misperceptions about the kingdom’s women have distorted their image in Western countries, the author and photographer, Mona Al-Munajjed, said late Monday during a ceremony at the French ambassador’s residence.

“We are facing challenges but we are succeeding,” she said at the book signing for her work “Saudi Women: A Celebration of Success.”

The large-format book features her interviews with 40 Saudi women from a variety of fields, alongside their photographs.

Al-Munajjed said she chose her subjects, in Riyadh, Jeddah and Dammam, because they are “pioneering women.”

Saudi Arabia has been criticized in the western world for policies certain policies regarding women, including dress requirements, permission from male family members to travel, work or marry, and a ban on driving.

But AlMunajjed said social reform “can come only gradually and only from within their own society.”

“They do not believe in forcing things... change will happen soon, and it is just a matter of time,” she said.

A slow expansion of women's rights began under the late King Abdullah who in 2013 appointed women to the Shoura Council which advises the cabinet.

He also announced that women would be able to participate in municipal elections.

Their first ballot as voters and candidates occurred last December, when about 20 were elected to local councils and several others were appointed.

Al-Munajjed said Saudi women have assumed prominent positions in government, business, journalism and other areas.

“They are outstanding, successful and very influential,” said the author, who has worked with United Nations agencies.

Arabian Business named her among the top 10 most powerful Arab women in 2013.