Muscat: Oman’s General Federation of Workers (GFOW) wrapped up two days of discussions on Tuesday examining the retirement system for Omani women, the impact of recent Social Protection Law amendments, and female representation across the private sector.
Held on 20–21 October and led by the federation’s Women’s Committee, the sessions aimed to translate research and field experience into practical initiatives to strengthen women’s participation in unions, improve workplace conditions, and advance equal hiring and career-progression opportunities.
On the sidelines, GFOW signed cooperation agreements with Oman Arab Bank and NMC Healthcare to roll out programmes and activities dedicated to supporting and empowering working women.
The first day featured a paper on “The Retirement System for Omani Working Women and the Impacts of the Social Protection Law Amendments,” presented by Eng Mohammed al Khaldi, strategic implementation adviser at GFOW. Day two focused on “Women’s Representation in Private-Sector Establishments,” presented by media researchers Khalisa Al-Rahbi and Sumaiya al Yaqubi.
GFOW said the qualitative study, prepared with the International Labour Organization and several government entities, is being refined by analysing current findings, testing the methodology, and aligning recommendations with workplace realities and present needs.
An awareness lecture closed the programme, outlining key services of the Social Protection Fund and how beneficiaries can access them. It was delivered by Khadija al Ajmi, head of legal review and contracts at the Fund.
Running in parallel, GFOW launched a public-awareness campaign — “A Woman-Friendly Workplace in the Private Sector” — to promote more flexible, supportive environments that help women balance professional and family responsibilities.
“We need a deeper understanding of the challenges facing working women in various sectors, and stronger policies that respect their specific circumstances and ambitions — from work–life balance to access to leadership and skills development,” said Suad al Sulaimi, chair of GFOW’s Women’s Committee.
Dr Badriya al Wahibi, director of the Information and Research Centre at the State Council, welcomed the evidence-based approach: “The discussions produced practical recommendations consistent with Oman Vision 2040, aligned with international conventions and local laws, and stressed the need for clear implementation procedures and wider social awareness.”
Dr Al Wahibi added that the sessions reviewed maternity-benefit provisions and the dedicated maternity insurance branch — described as among the most significant gains for Omani women under the social-protection framework — noting coverage spans all employment and training contracts, with options to widen scope and improve benefit quality.
Khadija Al Shihi, chair of the Women Journalists Committee at the Omani Journalists Association and a senior programme producer at the Ministry of Information, said the debates “touched the real issues women face in both the workplace and family life,” praising GFOW’s continued efforts to safeguard legal rights and enhance protections so women can meet professional and social obligations.
GFOW said takeaways from the sessions — including proposed initiatives, policy ideas and capacity-building needs — will inform follow-up actions with partners in the banking, healthcare and social-protection sectors.
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