Women’s Day is a time for reflection and gratitude, not just to celebrate women, says AMEERA MOOSA AL ZADJALI, unit head (mid-market enterprise) corporate banking division, Oman Arab Bank SAOG. “It is to truly appreciate the incredible journeys all the women have taken and the roles they play in shaping our world. Here in Oman, it’s more than just about honouring womanhood; it’s about celebrating how Omani women have risen to new heights across so many fields, and how men and women together are working hand in hand to build a brighter future for our nation,” Ameera Al Zadjali told Purple online.
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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.
Well, at the outset, to me, Women’s Day is a time for reflection and gratitude, not just to celebrate women, but to truly appreciate the incredible journeys all the women have taken and the roles they play in shaping our world. Here in Oman, it’s more than just about honouring womanhood; it’s about celebrating how Omani women have risen to new heights across so many fields, and how men and women together are working hand in hand to build a brighter future for our nation.
Omani Women’s Day is more than just celebrating womanhood
When we think about Omani Women’s Day, it is not just about celebrating womanhood. It is really about recognising the achievements of Omani women in many different areas of life. This includes their successes in education, business, healthcare, politics, and community work. For me, it is a reminder that women’s achievements are not only measured by financial success. It is more about the impact women have had on society in all its dimensions, from leading teams to making a difference in the lives of others across the community every day.
The unique integration between genders
What really stands out to me in Oman is how both men and women are working together towards the same goal. In many countries, gender equality can sometimes create division, but here in Oman, there is a unique integration between men and women. There’s this sense of mutual respect and collaboration where both genders play an essential role in moving the country forward as per His Majesty’s (Sultan Haitham) vision and goal. We understand that achieving success is not about competing with each other, but about working together for a common purpose, which is the betterment of our nation.
The legacy of Sultan Qaboos bin Said
We cannot forget the incredible role played by Oman’s former leader, the late His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said in creating this environment of gender equality. His vision for a more inclusive Oman paved the way for women to have equal access to education, the workforce, and leadership positions. His legacy still lives on today and continues to inspire our efforts towards gender equality. It was his leadership that laid the groundwork for the progress we are seeing now, and for the opportunities that women have to thrive in Oman.
How would you view the growth and advancement of Omani women in the last many years? What would you like to say about that?
When I think about the growth and advancement of Omani women over the last few years, I am truly inspired by the remarkable progress we have made. There has been a clear shift, and a lot of it is thanks to the leadership of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tariq, who has consistently emphasised the vital role that women play in our society and in the future of Oman.
Education as the foundation
I believe that one of the most significant changes has been in the field of education. Under the leadership of His Majesty Sultan Haitham, education has been a central pillar of women’s empowerment. His Majesty has always said that “the development of the nation is closely tied to the development of its women”. This commitment to education has enabled Omani women to excel academically, and we are now seeing more women than ever before graduating from universities and taking on leadership roles across various sectors.
More women in leadership roles
Further, I feel that we are also seeing an increasing number of women in leadership positions. Whether in the public or private sector, Omani women are now holding significant roles. His Majesty Sultan Haitham has been very intentional about including women in decision-making processes, always emphasising that “women play a pivotal role in shaping the future of Oman.” This has inspired many women to aim higher and take on positions where they can make a real difference in policy and governance. His Majesty’s support for women in leadership is truly inspiring.
Supportive policies and national vision
A lot of the advancements we have seen can be attributed to the policies implemented under His Majesty Sultan Haitham’s leadership. These policies have provided women with better access to education, employment, and healthcare. As His Majesty has often said, “The empowerment of women is central to the nation’s success.” His vision has helped create an environment where women are able to pursue their dreams and contribute meaningfully to the country’s development.
Also, with regards to the advancement, would you say that today the Omani woman is on par with any other woman of the world? If not, what more should be done?
When I reflect on the progress of Omani women, I feel a deep sense of pride. I feel that we, Omani women, have achieved so much over the years, but I also recognise that we still have a journey ahead. In many ways, Omani women are on par with women globally, but like any society, there are still challenges to overcome. His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tariq has been a strong advocate for gender equality and women’s empowerment, and his vision continues to guide the path forward.
Significant progress, but unique context
I feel in recent times, Omani women have certainly made remarkable progress, and in many areas, they have caught up with women globally. We have seen women excel in education, leadership, and entrepreneurship. But the reality is that Oman, like many other countries, has a unique social and cultural context. So while we are moving in the right direction, we are also navigating challenges that are specific to our country’s history, traditions, and values. This makes our journey unique, and in some ways, it means we are not always in the same place as women in other countries.
Balancing tradition and modernity
Another aspect of the challenge is balancing tradition and modernity. Oman is a country rich in culture and heritage, and while progress is essential, it is also important to preserve the values that make Oman unique. As we continue to empower women, we must ensure that this progress respects and aligns with our cultural context, while also opening doors for women to thrive without limitations. This balancing act is something we need to navigate carefully, to ensure we are fostering empowerment in a way that makes sense for our society.
Ongoing commitment to equality
Overall, I think Oman has made great strides, but like many countries, there is always more that can be done to ensure women are truly on par with their counterparts globally. Omani women have a strong foundation, but we need continued efforts in policy-making, societal change, and the creation of equal opportunities. This will allow our women to not only match the progress of women around the world but to lead with their unique perspectives and strengths.
Under the leadership of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tariq, we’ve witnessed significant strides in ensuring women’s participation in every sector of society. The strides we have made are inspiring, but there is always more to be done, and it is empowering to know that we, as a society, are committed to advancing together. I truly believe that with continued collaboration, support and determination, Omani women will continue to lead, inspire, and make a lasting impact in every field.
While we have made tremendous progress, I believe we are still on a journey, and with His Majesty’s unwavering commitment to gender equality and national development, I am confident that Omani women will continue to thrive, not just in Oman, but on the global stage. There is so much potential in every Omani woman, and I am excited to see how the future unfolds.
I look forward to contributing in my own way to the continued growth and empowerment of women in Oman under the leadership and guidance of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tariq.
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