“Omani women are not just on par but are more advanced than many women in various parts of the world,” AISHA AL KHARUSI, deputy executive chair, Modern College of Business and Science, commented in recent remarks made to the Purple online on Omani Women’s Day. This celebration is in recognition of the contribution of the nation’s women and their role in the development and advancement of the country.
Actively promotes gender equality
“This includes equal pay, particularly in terms of education and professional opportunities. As in many advanced countries, a few policies and initiatives are in place that actively promote gender equality and support women’s empowerment in Oman,” she noted.
Omani women leaders, role models
These include government programmes to increase female workforce participation, initiatives encouraging female entrepreneurship, and educational scholarships for women, she added. “Furthermore, the growing presence of women in leadership positions and their involvement in political processes reflect a commitment to fostering an inclusive environment. This progress positions Omani women as leaders and role models, demonstrating that they can excel and thrive on par with their counterparts globally,” she further added.
EXCERPTS:
Women’s Day generally brings forth many thoughts: women’s equality/gender parity; women’s rights and the foremost need to break the bias (against women). Here, in Oman, could we 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? What are your thoughts on this?
As an Omani, I wake up daily grateful for coming from a country where women are genuinely respected and nurtured. This respect is deeply ingrained in our cultural values, largely due to the strong family dynamics that shape our society. As the only sister among brothers, I am cherished with dignity and utmost kindness, reflecting the values upheld in Omani households. The unity between male and female upbringing is a powerful symbol in our culture, exemplified by ensuring equal opportunity for all.
How would you view the growth and advancement of Omani women in the last many years? What would you like to say about that?
As someone who actively engages in women’s agenda, I have seen a significant stride in the advancement of women in all sectors and fields. Omani women are equally qualified and allowed to grow, with more women in the private and public sectors in mid-level management and senior leadership roles. We are engaged in all walks of life, including social awareness, entrepreneurship, education, and political participation. A particularly noteworthy development is the increasing female representation in traditionally male-dominated fields. For instance, in the aviation undergraduate programme at the Modern College of Business and Science, the percentage of female students to male students is 76.07 percent to 23.93 percent.
Also, regarding advancement, would you say that today the Omani woman is on par with any other woman in the world? If not, what more should be done?
As a third-culture global nomad with the privilege of living in several countries for under three decades, I can confidently share that Omani women are not just on par but are more advanced than many women in various parts of the world. This includes equal pay, particularly in terms of education and professional opportunities.
As in many advanced countries, a few policies and initiatives are in place that actively promote gender equality and support women’s empowerment in Oman. These include government programmes to increase female workforce participation, initiatives encouraging female entrepreneurship, and educational scholarships for women.
Furthermore, the growing presence of women in leadership positions and their involvement in political processes reflect a commitment to fostering an inclusive environment. This progress positions Omani women as leaders and role models, demonstrating that they can excel and thrive on par with their counterparts globally.
0 Comments