International Women’s Day, March 2008, a day where women the world over were recognized and celebrated. In Muscat, Dr Sharifa bint Khalfan bin Nassir Al Yahyaeiyah, the Omani Minister for Social Development, reflected and paid tribute to the role of Omani women in society. She also praised His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said’s government, for guaranteeing women equal rights and opportunities.
Since the Renaissance in 1970, the Omani government has actively promoted female education with impressive results. The modern Omani woman enjoys a wide array of civil and political liberties that are founded on Islamic Sharia Law and just about every other law, particularly the Basic Law of the State.
A Celebration of Women
These laws respect and protect all Omani women and grant them the right to establish associations and actively participate in all layers of civil society. In response, Omani women have assumed and excelled in these responsibilities while simultaneously raising the new generation with all-important social values. The achievements of women in Oman are endless, evident and everywhere.
Omani women hold high profile posts in the Oman Government and private sectors, and their contribution to the country’s development is indelible and undeniable. Today, there is a female minister, undersecretary, ambassador and a member of the State Council.
On an International front, the Omani Government has ensured women’s rights remain protected and supported through the ratification of international treaties and conventions. The Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) was ratified in May 2005, and included the formation of a multisectorial committee to ensure that the articles of the Convention were implemented and are closely monitored.
Yes She Can
The Omani Women’s Association (website suspended) provides a channel for voluntary work and the development of local communities. There are now a total of 52 OWA units in the Sultanate.
The Ministry of Social Development makes a big effort to provide basic community and family services. It keeps a close eye on issues concerning women’s empowerment and advancement and collaborates with its government counterparts, the private sector and civil society to ensure that women remain are at the core of the country’s development. The “National Women Strategy” (which is presently under review) aims to address all key areas of concern for women to ensure their well-being and support them.
The Minister for Social Development also supports another vital project for women’s awareness in Oman – Al Omaniyya (website suspended), the Oman’s women’s magazine. Al Omaniyya represents a range of women’s organizations, many of whom are Omani Women’s Association members.
Girly Magazine?
The magazine looks like a European glossy from the colourful, eye-catching cover but the contents are eclectic and the price affordable at just 100 baizas (around 0.20 Euro cents.)
Al Omaniyya’s loyal readership is mainly made up of families, and the covers feature “modern women” by readers’ popular demand! “We use them as eye catchers but we don’t write about them in the magazine!” says Aida Slayim Salimin al Hajry, the magazine’s editor.
Delving into a past edition of the magazine, we found a diverse range of contents including report on Arabian Shakespeare and an interview with Omani poetess, Asilah Al Manairy. There were also several fashion pages covering traditional Omani women’s gowns and of course, recipes and children’s development sections featured.
Aida al Hajry’s wish as Editor of Al Omaniyya is to focus on and highlight the situation of Omani women, which has greatly improved since 2003 in her opinion. Like many other Omani women, she has risen to the challenge of proving herself in a young country that is hurtling towards development and encountering change at every turn.
“The wise leadership of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said recognises the important role in the empowerment of all Omani women in all sectors of the society. Omani women are the foundation of support for their families, and are at the forefront in every sphere of life.
“It gives me great pleasure to join every mother, wife, daughter and sister all over the world in celebrating “International Women’s Day”, and to congratulate every woman in every nation on her advancements in securing her important role in the society. Women are key players in ensuring sustainable development and in shaping their communities and families.
We must pay tribute to the exceptional achievements of Omani women in all sectors, which are attributed to the visionary leadership of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said.”
-International Women’s day speech, 2008 by Dr Sharifa bint Khalfan bins Nassir Al Yahyaeiyah, Omani Minister for Social Development.
