The role of Omani women, under the reigns of the late His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said and the current ruler, His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tariq Al Said, has undergone remarkable evolution, according to FATMA AL RIYAMI, chief executive, xeem-Fatma Al Riyami Consultancy.
“Over the past few decades, particularly since the transformative reign of the late His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said and continuing under the leadership of His Majesty Haitham bin Tariq Al Said, the role of women in Oman has undergone remarkable evolution,” Fatma Al Riyami told the Purple online.
Increase in female entrepreneurs
“The entrepreneurial landscape in Oman has experienced a remarkable evolution over the decades, particularly regarding the engagement and empowerment of women,” Fatma noted. “This transformation is marked by a notable increase in female entrepreneurs launching businesses, a heightened acknowledgment of their vital role in driving economic growth, and the establishment of robust support systems and initiatives designed to nurture women’s entrepreneurship,” she 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? Your thoughts on this.
I support the assertion regarding the distinctive integration of men and women in Oman, which is not only evident but also actively reinforced. In the entrepreneurship world that I am in, this integration is not only a matter of equity but also a significant driver of innovation, creativity, and economic growth. The different life experiences and unique perspectives that each gender brings, help untap potentials and lead to more comprehensive decision-making processes, diverse problem-solving approaches, and ultimately enhance business outcomes and success in the marketplace. Research indicates that organisations with diverse leadership teams tend to outperform their counterparts in terms of profitability and value creation. Therefore, recognising and valuing this integration is essential for cultivating a sustainable national entrepreneurial ecosystem that thrives on diversity in Oman.
How would you view the growth and advancement of Omani women in the last many years?
The entrepreneurial landscape in Oman has experienced a remarkable evolution over the decades, particularly regarding the engagement and empowerment of women. This transformation is marked by a notable increase in female entrepreneurs launching businesses, a heightened acknowledgment of their vital role in driving economic growth, and the establishment of robust support systems and initiatives designed to nurture women’s entrepreneurship. Despite these advancements and significant strides made by women entrepreneurs in Oman, persistent challenges continue to impede their progress. Societal norms, expectations, and the dual burdens of family responsibilities alongside business aspirations often create obstacles that require targeted interventions. Therefore, it is crucial to provide ongoing support for female entrepreneurship to cultivate an inclusive economy where all individuals can flourish and achieve success.
Also, with regards to the advancement, would you say that today the Omani woman is on par with other women of the world? If not, what more should be done?
Omani women, similar to their counterparts in various regions around the globe, have historically been influenced by a complex interplay of cultural, social, and economic factors. Over the past few decades, particularly since the transformative reign of the late His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said Al Said and continuing under the leadership of His Majesty Haitham bin Tariq al Said, the role of women in Oman has undergone remarkable evolution.
In comparison to women worldwide, Omani women have exhibited exceptional resilience and innovation across diverse domains, affirming that they stand on equal footing with women globally and are indeed on par with any other woman of the world. This assertion is supported by both the significant advancements achieved within Oman itself and their broader representation and contributions to global society.
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