Saturday 19 / October / 2024
Muscat: Omani women have enjoyed a prestigious position in society, and witnessed a true renaissance, moving forward side by side with men; as they are partners in sustainable development.
The late Sultan Qaboos bin Said bin Taimur honoured them by allocating a day to celebrate their contributions, which is the 17th of October of every year, to enhance their presence in various fields to build an Omani society that enjoys high status and sophistication.
Today, we see them as pioneers in affirming their vital role, inspired by the support of the wise leadership of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik.
Statistics issued by the Department of Statistics and Information at the Ministry of Education until October 17, 2024 indicate that the total number of Omani women employees in the Ministry’s General Diwan and educational directorates in the governorates amounted to 2,872, and the number of Omani women in educational bodies in educational directorates amounted to 6,470 administrators while 42,219 are women teachers.
Manal Al-Maashari, Headmaster of Al Shawamekh Basic Education School (1-10) in Muscat Governorate, said that this day reflects the Royal directives of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik to enhance the status and capabilities of Omani women, and facilitate appropriate opportunities for them, as they are the fundamental pillars for the Omani renaissance.
Women have received royal patronage, and held many leadership positions, and have had a real impact in the development of society side by side with men, to serve this dear country, she added.
Halima Al Shehhi, Headmaster of Lima Primary School in Musandam Governorate, agreed with her, saying: “This day is a day when Omani women are proud of their belonging to this great country under the leadership and its wise government, due to the care and status they enjoy in all educational and practical aspects. Women have a leadership and pioneering role in all fields and have been developing remarkably since the Renaissance era. They are the students, educators, and workers who hold the highest positions, to advance this country to various forums and activities.”
Sumia Al Farsi, an Arabic language teacher from Umm Qais Al Asadiya School (10-12) in Al Dakhiliyah Governorate, said: “This day is a coronation for the distinguished women of Oman, celebrated by the government and people of Oman in appreciation of its development journey in various fields. Since the era of the blessed renaissance, it has enjoyed the trust of everyone in various local, regional and international fields as well. Every success is not without challenges. Omani women face one great challenge, that is how to balance between their primary role at home to raise the brave generation of Oman, and their role outside to advance the development journey of the country. However, Omani women have proven their success in both fields and have overcome all obstacles.”
On her part, Nawal Al Farsi, Headmaster of Al Falak Primary School in South Al Batinah, said: “At the beginning of their development journey, women faced some challenges, including, that women are weak creatures, can’t participate with men in building the nation and hold senior positions in the country. What we see today is the complete opposite. They have earned everyone’s trust, with all merit and competence, and have been promoted in various positions to enhance and commemorate their great efforts in building the nation. As a result, we see the 17th of October of each year designated as Omani Women’s Day under the slogan: “Partner in Development.”
Munira Al Hamamiya, Administrative and Financial Affairs Specialist at Al Ahd Primary School in South Al Batinah Governorate, agrees with her, saying: “Omani women faced some challenges in the beginning of the Renaissance era but the government worked hard and supported women at every step. Today, they are competing with men in holding prestigious positions in the country and have proven their ability to balance between their home and work, benefiting from the support provided to them by the wise government; to navigate the waves of challenges towards progress in the renaissance of the Sultanate of Oman.”
On the government’s empowerment of Omani women and enabling them to face challenges and difficulties, Maryam Al Fayoumi, Headmaster of Al Firdaws Private School in Muscat Governorate, said: “I am proud to be part of this society that provides a decent living and appreciates the role of women in development; as Omani women are granted their rights and dignity. Thanks to the continuous support of the government and society, they have got equal opportunities in education, work and political participation, and have even become a fundamental pillar in building and developing Omani society. Hence, the government played a major role in overcoming all the challenges that they may face in performing their role, such as: Enhancing their support in economic empowerment programmes, providing greater flexibility in the work environment in various government and private sectors, and enhancing initiatives that support them in leadership and entrepreneurship, in addition to providing training and educational programmes to develop their leadership skills in all fields.”
Intisar Al Wahaibi, an Arabic language teacher from Al Sahbaa bint Rabia School in Muscat Governorate, added: “Omani women have witnessed remarkable development over the past decades. After playing a traditional role focused on the family and the local community due to social and economic conditions, their contribution in various fields has increased, and they have become an integral part of the decision-making process, supporting and empowering them in various fields, and reforming their legal and social conditions, which has strengthened their position in society and given them greater rights in education, work and gender equality, in a way that reflects Oman’s modern vision based on participation in comprehensive development.”
Amna Al Raisi, Senior Social Guidance Supervisor at the Directorate-General of Education in North Al Batinah Governorate, expressed her gratitude and appreciation for Omani women, saying: “Let us stand today to thank and appreciate every Omani woman, starting with the housewife in her family, all the way to those who have held the highest positions in the country; for their contributions and achievements in building this nation, overcoming all social, economic and even geographical challenges. It is a pride for them when ourLate Sultan Qaboos bin Said bin Taimur stated: (The nation does not fly without women), as it is a badge of pride of every Omani woman, and she has the right to be proud of it.”
Rahma Al Marzouqi, a visual arts teacher from Shawamekh Al Alam Basic Education School (1-4) in North Al Batinah, agreed: “Omani women have become a symbol of success in all sectors of this country, benefiting from the educational and professional opportunities provided by the wise leadership. Therefore, we, Omani women, must continue to challenge and develop, and have ambition and hopes, as they are the fuel for change. We must always trust that our efforts are appreciated and valued, and that we play a prominent role in building Oman’s present and future.”
