“The advancement of women in Oman is truly a unique story, one that reflects a careful balance of tradition and modernity,” feels NADRA AL SHARJI, business development manager, Bondoni. “The number of Omani women who have moved from the traditional matriarchal role in society and shifted towards a multifaceted identity has been increasing year on year. We are moving towards a more complete work-life balance along a triad of responsibility – tradition, family and work. This gender integration strengthens the nation’s path toward a prosperous future,” Nadra said, in remarks made to the Purple online. “Omani women have made remarkable strides over the past few decades, particularly in terms of empowerment, education, and leadership,” Nadra added. She also noted that “more and more men and women in Oman are working together, and this can only mean a more integrated approach towards developing Oman’s future”.
EXCERPTS:
Women’s Day generally brings forth many thoughts: Women’s equality and gender parity, women’s rights, and the foremost need to break the bias (against women). Here, in Oman, we could say that it is more than just celebrating womanhood; here it is celebrating the success (various types of success not just the monetary kind) of Omani women and also the unique integration between the two genders who are working together to achieve a better future for Oman? Your thoughts on this.
In most nations of the world there are conversations surrounding bias and gender parity. My take on parity is that it is the ability to have the same opportunity for the same qualification as anyone else. I do not expect to be treated differently nor given more opportunities based on my gender. Instead, I wish to have my accomplishments speak volumes, allowing this to be the voice for change. This is the cornerstone of womanhood, to be self-reliant and independent in thought and action. More and more men and women in Oman are working together, and this can only mean a more integrated approach towards developing Oman’s future.
How would you view the growth and advancement of Omani women in the last many years? What would you like to say about that?
Omani women have made remarkable strides over the past few decades, particularly in terms of empowerment, education, and leadership. The advancement of women in Oman is truly a unique story, one that reflects a careful balance of tradition and modernity. The number of Omani women who have moved from the traditional matriarchal role in society and shifted towards a multifaceted identity has been increasing year on year. We are moving towards a more complete work life balance along a triad of responsibility – tradition, family and work. This gender integration strengthens the nation’s path toward a prosperous future.
Also, with regards to the advancement, would you say that today the Omani woman is on par with other women in the world? If not, what more should be done?
Globally, Omani women are making inroads towards developing parity, but there are areas where continued efforts could be made. In many countries, particularly those with longer histories of women’s empowerment movements, many women have achieved greater representation in certain high-level political and corporate roles or have more established gender equality frameworks in place. However, Omani women are rapidly catching up, especially in areas such as education where they often outnumber men in higher education enrolment. This allows for an increase in the presence of women in leadership roles in both the public and private sector, increasing the opportunities for entrepreneurship, delivering policies that bring importance to maternity leave, flexible working hours, family support so as professional goals can be achieved while balancing a family life.
About:
Nadra Al Sharji is the business development manager with Bondoni, Oman’s leading company formations’ organisation. She is responsible for attracting foreign direct investment into Oman. She is passionate about delivering Oman as the ‘go to’ destination for setting up a business in the region.
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