Oman has made great strides in women’s rights. The Sultanate was the first Gulf country to grant women their political rights in 1994 which indicates that the Omani political leadership believes in the important role women play in the development of the country, and in their ability to effectively assume senior positions.
His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik has paid great attention to the women's pivotal role in society as a key partner in sustainable development and entrusted senior positions to Omani women to build the nation’s present and future.
The new Oman Labour approved by His Majesty the Sultan granted numerous benefits to working women. These privileges include an allocated hour each day for child care and a 98-day maternity leave provision. Further, it allows them to avail themselves of an unpaid leave period lasting up to a year for child care. The law also obliges employers to provide a dedicated rest place in establishments where the number of female workers exceeds 25.
To celebrate the contributions of Omani women and inspire them, the Sultanate of Oman has designated October 17 as Omani Women's Day. According to the National Centre for Statistics and Information, the Omani women workers (15 years and above) reached 32.1 per cent in 2022, compared to 27.7 per cent of the previous year. There are 95,652 women, or 41 per cent, in the government sector, and 136,93 women, or 59 per cent, in the private and civil society sectors.
The total number of Omani women business owners in 2022 is 14,194 with 46 per cent of those aged (15 years and above) concentrated in wholesale and retail trade, and manufacturing.
The number of social security beneficiaries reached 86,989 women.
The total number of girls (from the age of 10 years and above) enrolled in school education for the academic year 2022/2023 reached about 208,796, while the total number enrolled in higher education reached about 70,252. The illiteracy rate of Omani women (10 years and above) came down to 5.8 per cent in 2022 compared to 6.3 per cent in the previous year.
Ibtisam bint Ahmed al Faroojiyah, Under-Secretary of the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion for Investment Promotion, said: "One of the challenges facing women in the Sultanate of Oman is customs and traditions in society that may limit their freedom and ability to make decisions. Raising awareness of women’s rights in society has enhanced their presence in decision-making, self-confidence and their ability to advance in society."
Al Faroojiyah said that women entrepreneurs have proved themselves in various sectors and in leadership positions in government and private institutions. There is no discrimination between women and men in loans and salaries, unlike other countries. They have the right to open companies, obtain credits and open businesses. The Social Protection Law also pays great attention to women by providing them with legal protection. Rights are guaranteed to women by law in order to enhance their role and emphasise the importance of their empowerment in society.
Dr Badria bint Ibrahim al Shehiyah, Deputy Chairperson of the State Council, said: "The greatest challenge for women is themselves. Women are half of society and are the ones who raise children. We do not limit women to education and raising children."
GRAPH POINTS
SOURCE: NCSI
Omani women workers 32.1 per cent in 2022
95,652 women, or 41 per cent, in the government sector, and 136,93 women, or 59 per cent, in the private and civil society sectors.
The total number of Omani women business owners in 2022 is 14,194 with 46 per cent of those aged (15 years and above) concentrated in wholesale and retail trade, and manufacturing.
The number of social security beneficiaries reached 86,989 women.
The total number of girls (from the age of 10 years and above) enrolled in school education for the academic year 2022-2023 reached about 208,796, while the total number enrolled in higher education reached about 70,252.
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