Omani women enjoy opportunities in all development activities

31st, January 2015

MUSCAT: Since the dawn of the Blessed Renaissance under the wise leadership of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos, the Sultanate’s Government has accorded the Omani women with the due care and interest to provide her with opportunities in the different development fields.

The Sultanate is considered a leader in the empowerment of the women and involving her in the different development activities.

To this end, the Sultanate promulgated a number of legislations and laws, such as the Civil Service Law for the government employees, the Labour Law for the private sector and the Civil Status Law. These laws, together with others, protect the Omani women and eliminate the difficulties that may hamper her from enjoying the rights granted to her by these laws.

Raheelah bint A’mir al Riyamiyah, member of the State Council, Chairperson of the Steering Committee for Revising and Following up the implementation of the National Strategy for the Omani Women Development, said that the Government’s care for women has been very clear in many aspects of life.

She pointed out that the national strategy for the Omani women development comes as part of the constant efforts made to care for the Omani women. It also comes as recognition of its important role in the society.

In a statement to Oman News Agency (ONA), she added that the announcement of the national strategy in its final shape may take some time because the long term strategies require developing the required plans for them.

Al Riyamiyah pointed out that the Steering Committee for Revising and Following up the implementation of the National Strategy for the Omani Women Development is currently considering the project and preparing a comprehensive national action plan in line with the Ministry of Social Development Vision.

The first meeting of the Steering Committee members was held during September 7th to 9th, 2014. The participants were divided into groups; each of which has certain tasks and mechanisms. There were panel discussions and meetings.

On the other hand, Labibah bint Mohammed al Ma’awaliyah, Expert in Women Affairs at the Office of the Undersecretary of the Minster of Social Development and rapporteur of the Steering Committee for Revising and Following up the implementation of the National Strategy for the Omani Women Development, said that the preparation of the Omani Women Strategy started since 2001.

In a statement to ONA, she added that the draft national strategy has been prepared on the basis of the recommendations of the specialised studies conducted by the themed action teams.

These teams included representatives of the academic and education organisations, the Government, the private sector and NGOs.

The National Strategy for the Omani Women Development culminates the cooperation between the Ministry of Social Development and many regional and international organisations.