HM’s support behind women’s empowerment -As the world sits up and takes note of the International Women’s Day theme of ‘Equal rights, equal opportunities: Progress for all’ today, women in the Sultanate feel that His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said has been the guiding force behind the gender equality and empowerment that women in the country enjoy today.

In November, a ‘Symposium on Omani Women’ was organised on the instructions from His Majesty the Sultan to “encourage women to shoulder even bigger responsibilities in the country’s growth process”.

A decision to designate October 17 as Omani Women’s Day every year was also taken.

There is no doubt that among the other countries in the region, Oman has been in the forefront in ensuring equal rights for its women.

Most women feel the nation is moving in the right direction in giving them credit but seek to work with renewed determination for a future of equal rights, opportunities and progress.

Holding heads high

Yuthar bint Mohammed Al Rawahi, chairperson and founder of National Association for Cancer Awareness (Naca) agrees Omani women enjoy full rights.

“We have held our head high because of the backing of His Majesty,” says the
woman who has been developing awareness, advocacy and research in cancer in Oman so as to help the community.

According to Yuthar, Omani women enjoy an extensive range of civil and political liberties that are founded on the basis of religious and state laws, “but” she says, “I think we can’t rest on the laurels since we have a long way to go”.

She explains, “There is the societal attitude we need to address when we talk about rights of women. However we are moving in the right direction.”

Positive impact

Shukoor Al Ghammary, head, Omani Women’s Association, Muscat says it is important to closely look at the achievements of the past so we can build on what is already there.

“Women here enjoy many rights. Omani women are appointed to top posts in both public and private sectors. This has had a positive impact on the country’s development. But then there is more to be done,” she says.

Shukoor feels women need to be more aware of their rights. “Women should ask for their rights and get it. They deserve these rights. Women need to work closely with each other to enjoy these rights. It is not enough if the rights are in paper they should use it in a positive way,” says Shukoor.

On this special day for women, Barka S. Al Bakry, life honorary member and founder of the Al Noor Association for the Blind, has a wish: To see women in Majlis Al Shura.

“I ask all Omani women to come out and vote for women candidates in Majlis Al Shura elections next year. Last time, 21 women candidates participated but not one of them was voted. The past few months have seen a lot of seminars and workshops being held to create awareness about women’s participation in Majlis Al Shura elections as voters and candidates, she said.

If we had to list names of those who have brought about a significant difference to the lives of women in Omani society it would be hard to ignore the name of Habiba bint Ali Al Hinai. And it is but natural that Habiba would want better sporting rights for women. “I would say the rights we enjoy are satisfactory. I hope to see some laws amended like laws that are to do with women marrying foreigners,” she says.

Maryam Mohammed Al Zadjali, director, Omani Society for Fine Arts feels Omani women would not have marched ahead so much, had it not been for the support of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said.

Maryam says, “We should strive to implement the directives of His Majesty to accord attention to women, in appreciation and support of Omani women’s role in the Sultanate’s achievements.”