The Sultanate, along with the world, will observe and celebrate International Women’s Day today.
Today, March 8, of every year marks a day which is dedicated to women regardless of their race, language and culture.
In fact, women advancements and achievements occur on a daily basis. The Omani woman is the focal point of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said’s government, guaranteeing her equal rights and opportunities. March 8 allows us to reflect and acknowledge these accomplishments.
“The wise leadership of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said recognises the important role in the empowerment of all Omani women in all sectors of the society. Omani women are the foundation of support for their families, and are at the forefront in every sphere of life," Dr Sharifa bint Khalfan bin Nassir Al Yahyaeiyah, minister of social development, said here yesterday.
“It gives me great pleasure to join every mother, wife, daughter and sister all over the world in celebrating ‘International Women’s Day’, and to congratulate every woman in every nation on her advancements in securing her important role in the society. Women are key players in ensuring sustainable development and in shaping their communities and families,” Dr Sharifa said.
“We must pay tribute to the exceptional achievements of Omani women in all sectors, which are attributed to the visionary leadership of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said.”
The Omani woman enjoys a wide array of civil and political liberties that are founded on the Islamic Sharia Law and all other laws, particularly the Basic Law of the State.
These laws have respected and protected all Omani women. Her equal attainment to education without gender discrimination and free access to all healthcare services has supported her to excel. Omani women have been appointed to high-level posts in the government and private sectors, which has had an impact on the country’s development.
Today, an Omani woman is a minister, an undersecretary, an ambassador, and a member of the State Council (Majlis Al Dowla). Women are doctors, teachers and engineers, and are employed at educational institutions, the armed forces and the police.
Omani women proudly undertook these responsibilities together without compromising their vital role in the upbringing of the new generation and in instilling social values. “Her voice is heard and echoed throughout the country.
Since 1970, the Omani woman was granted the right to establish associations, and engage civil society, in addressing the needs of all. Omani Women’s Association (OWA) provides a channel for voluntary work and the development of local communities. There are now a total of 52 Omani Women’s Association units in the Sultanate,” Dr Sharifa emphasised.
On the international front, the minister said, Omani women have proven themselves as leaders. The government has ensured that their rights remain protected and supported through the ratification of international treaties and conventions. The Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) was ratified in May 2005, where a multisectorial committee was formed to ensure that these articles are implemented and closely monitored.
The Ministry of Social Development exerts tremendous efforts in providing basic services to the community and particularly to the family, with close attention to issues pertaining to women and their empowerment and advancement. It works in close collaboration with the government counterparts, the private sector and civil society to ensure that women are at the core of the country’s development.
The achievements of women are endless, and are in every area. The ‘National Women Strategy’ is a comprehensive strategy that aims at addressing all key areas of concern for women to ensure their well-being and support them. This strategy is currently under revision.
“On behalf of all Omani women, I have the honour to greatly praise and highly appreciate His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said’s continued support in ensuring that the Omani women are an essential component of this country, and its sustainable development,” the minister concluded.
-- Times of Oman
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