Oman strengthens women’s role in trade union

BUSINESS REPORTER
MUSCAT, OCT 19
The General Federation of Oman Workers (GFOW) launched a three-day leadership programme for women trade unionists on Monday, alongside the signing of four cooperation agreements aimed at strengthening women’s participation in the workplace and union activities.
Organised with the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC), the programme runs until October 21 and covers leadership, worker organising, communication and campaigning.
The initiative comes as women expand their representation in Oman’s trade union structures. According to GFOW figures, women held four seats on its board and 71 positions on the governing bodies of trade unions and sectoral unions at the end of December 2025.
A further 32 women trade unionists had participated in collective bargaining, while 20 women’s committees had been established within trade unions, with a combined membership of 195.
The training brings together members of union women’s committees, women trade unionists, female federation staff and members of GFOW’s Committee for Non-Omani Workers, alongside representatives of relevant organisations.
Participants will learn how to identify workplace and organisational concerns and turn them into practical initiatives and campaigns. Sessions also cover relationship-building, constructive dialogue and the use of social media to recruit members and raise awareness of women workers’ concerns.
Suad al Sulaimi, chairperson of GFOW’s Women’s Committee, said the programme provided an opportunity to exchange experience, strengthen professional networks and learn from international approaches to union leadership and women’s participation.
The four cooperation memoranda were signed between GFOW and Omantel; GFOW and the Oman Human Resources Management Association; the General Union of the Industrial Sector and Oman India Fertiliser Company (OMIFCO); and the Trade Union of OMIFCO Workers and the company’s management.
The agreements aim to support women workers and broaden their participation in workplace and union activities.
The opening day included an introduction to the ITUC’s Migrant Workers Programme and its Recruitment Adviser platform, delivered by ITUC trainer and consultant Zainab Abu Deeb. GFOW visual production specialist Imad al Raqadi led a session on using visual content to support women workers.
Tuesday’s sessions will examine leadership challenges, communication with workers and organising skills. The programme concludes on Wednesday with training on planning and implementing trade union campaigns.