Panel discussion discusses women’s leadership empowerment

SALALAH: The Directorate-General of Social Development in Dhofar Governorate organised a panel discussion titled 'The Role of Women in Elected Councils: From Participation to Decision-Making.'
The event is held within the programme codenamed 'Leadership Empowerment of Women in Decision-Making Positions,' held at the Sultan Qaboos Youth Complex for Culture and Entertainment in Salalah.
The panel discussion addressed several themes related to the institutional and organisational aspects of the electoral process, the role of women and digital leadership, alongside reviewing research, societal, and future perspectives to enhance electoral participation, with the participation of female specialists and representatives from local community entities and institutions.
The programme also featured a segment titled 'Experiences Narrated and Impact Created,' during which a number of women reviewed their experiences and expertise in practical and leadership fields, aiming to exchange experiences, highlight inspiring female role models, and encourage conscious community participation.
The programme produced a number of proposed recommendations to enhance Omani women's participation in elected councils, most notably developing electoral procedures to enhance transparency and facilitate access to official information, intensifying electoral awareness programmes via media and digital platforms, launching national programmes to prepare women leaders, as well as enhancing women's participation in council committees and positions of responsibility, and activating communication between council members and the community.
The programme, held under the slogan 'A Presence That Creates Impact,' aimed to enhance awareness of the roles of elected councils and the importance of electoral participation, highlight the contributions of Omani women in leadership and decision-making positions, and leverage their expertise in discussing societal and developmental issues, thereby strengthening their presence in the Shura process and community participation. — ONA