The Sultanate of Oman on Saturday joins the world in celebrating Mother’s Day, which falls on March 21 of every year, in recognition of her pivotal role in building the family and society, and the continuous support and honour she receives for her status in various fields of life.
Her Highness The Honourable Lady Assayida Ahd Abdullah Hamed al Busaidi, Spouse of the Sultan of Oman, affirmed in her congratulations to mothers in the Sultanate of Oman and all mothers of the world on the occasion of Mother’s Day that this day should not be the only occasion on which we remember the meanings of patience, devotion, altruism, giving what is precious and valuable, and the constant giving of the noble mothers, but rather these meanings should remain present in our souls, and mentioned on our tongues every day of our lives, for mothers are the secret of existence and the blessing of life.
Abrar bint Nasser al Hadhrami, a member of the Omani Sociologists Association and a specialist in the social and educational field, told the Oman News Agency that the mother is not only the first incubator of values and traditions, but also an active partner in the national development process. This status has received high appreciation from the Omani leadership, which has given special attention to women, believing in the importance of their role in building the individual and society.
She added that this appreciation was not just words, but was translated through practical policies aimed at empowering women educationally and professionally, so that the Omani mother truly became a pillar of society and a maker of generations.
BALANCING FAMILY
She said that the Omani mother has been able to balance her family responsibilities with her professional duties. She is an employee in government and private institutions, a teacher in schools and universities, a doctor, an engineer, and an administrator, contributing to the development of the various sectors of the state. This national role reflects the image of the Omani woman who has not been confined to the limits of the home, but has gone out to participate in building the nation, without giving up her family responsibilities, which are essential in preserving the social fabric.
She affirmed that Omani women have made great strides in progress and advancement, far removed from the nonsense that might harm their status or present false images of them. They have been an example of balance and awareness, and have received great and continuous care from His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik in appreciation of their value and in belief in their tangible and positive contributions, especially within the family and their contributions to home management and creativity in various fields.
She pointed out that this high interest was reflected in the image of the Omani woman as an active element in development, as she became a pioneer scientifically and practically, and contributed to raising the status of Oman in various fields.
HEALTH SECTOR
She said that the state’s interest in women included the field of health, as the Department of Health Affairs in the Ministry of Health has a special section for women called the “Mother and Child Health Section”, which is concerned with providing health services and solving problems that may hinder their healthcare.
She noted that Omani women were not content to be mere recipients of care, but rather resolved to provide it to others, emerging as doctors and nurses who contribute to serving society. In the field of education, they refused to remain in the shadow of ignorance, instead embarking on the pursuit of knowledge both within and outside the Sultanate of Oman, returning with new experiences and expertise to support the nation's development and progress.
She noted that in the workplace, Omani women today contribute alongside men to building the nation, having earned numerous positions through merit. They have also been granted the right to vote and run for membership in the Majlis Ash’shura since 2000. In recognition of their tremendous efforts and role in building society, October 17 of each year has been designated as Omani Women's Day, a day to celebrate their achievements and contributions, and to hold seminars and conferences focused on their affairs and empowerment.
SOCIAL FABRIC
She emphasised that the Omani mother represents a pillar of the social fabric, as she is the one who preserves authentic customs and traditions and passes them on to new generations, and instils in her children the values of cooperation and solidarity, and balances openness to the times with adherence to national identity. This role has made her a safety valve that protects society from disintegration and ensures the continuity of family and social ties, so that the Omani family remains cohesive and able to face the challenges of the times.
She pointed out that the most important thing that distinguishes the Omani mother is her role in shaping generations; she is not limited to raising and caring for children, but she creates citizens capable of carrying the message of the Omani Renaissance and continuing its journey.
Regarding the role of the mother in preserving the pillars of the Muslim family, as she is the one responsible for establishing Islamic principles and raising children on religious values, Laila bint Sultan al Rubaiee, a religious guide and preacher, said to the Oman News Agency that the mother in Islam is not only an educator, but she is the maker of a human being, and therefore the maker of a society. If the mother is righteous, then families and society are righteous, as she is the beating heart and the axis around which the meanings of stability and cohesion revolve.
She said that the mother is the first incubator who shapes the awareness of her children and instils in them the seeds of faith. Through good example and linking their daily behaviour to the teachings of religion and good guidance, this will help to strengthen the fear of Allah in their souls and build a conscious personality that adheres to its religious and cultural identity.
She pointed out that in light of contemporary challenges such as technological openness and radical social changes, the mother realises the importance of conscious monitoring of device use and providing appropriate alternatives, so she balances wise follow-up and granting trust, and instils in her children self-control that protects them from being swept away by negative influences; she also contributes to her societal role as an effective role model who embodies the values she calls for, so that her imprint remains extended in building a conscious generation and a society firmly rooted in its identity.
Given that religious education represents the basic foundation in building character, this role expands to include deeper national dimensions. In this context, Amal bint Abdullah bin Hamid, a university graduate, specialist and educational trainer, said that the Omani mother represents the basic pillar in building society. She is not just a caretaker of the family, but an authentic and active partner in national development. Her contributions are manifested in instilling the values of good citizenship and firm loyalty in the hearts of children, which contributes to raising a generation that is aware and truly loves its homeland. She added that the mother, whether she is a working woman contributing to building the national economy, or a stay-at-home mother concerned with building minds and values, her educational role remains pivotal; she is the first teacher who instils the authentic Omani identity, and guides children towards excellence and creativity. — ONA
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