Truly a crowning moment for me: Rumaitha

Muscat: In the illustrious cohort of the 2023 BBC 100 Women list, featuring Nobel Prize laureates, World Cup champions, renowned actresses, former dignitaries, and entrepreneurs, stands Oman’s multifaceted trailblazer, Rumaitha Al Busaidi.

Her diverse roles as the first female football analyst, marine scientist, climate activist, TED Talk speaker, and Arab women’s rights advocate have earned her a well-deserved spot among global achievers.

Delighted by the acknowledgement from BBC, Rumaitha told Times of Oman: “This inclusion in the prestigious BBC 100 Women list is truly a crowning moment for me. It’s a testament to the culmination of my relentless dedication across various domains.”

Reflecting on her journey, she added, “It’s not merely about soaring in your journey but embracing every obstacle encountered. It hasn’t been an easy path—it’s been a roller-coaster ride of sleepless nights, relentless commitment to opportunities, and grappling with moments of burnout.”

“Yet, my quest to find purpose continues, aimed at being a role model for Omani and Arab women, advocating the pursuit of multiple aspirations and achieving excellence in diverse fields.”

To share the list with attorney and former US First Lady Michelle Obama, human rights lawyer Amal Clooney, Ballon d’Or-winning and World Cup winning footballer Aitana Bonmatí, India women’s cricket team skipper Harmanpreet Kaur, AI expert Timnit Gebru, feminist icon Gloria Steinem, Nobel Prize winner in economics Claudia Goldin, Hollywood star America Ferrera, Bollywood actress Dia Mirza, and beauty mogul Huda Kattan, is a reflection of the work and contribution of Rumaitha to the society.

Rumaitha did her graduation from the Netherlands, and is passionate about Arab women’s rights. She also served the Environment Society of Oman and is a board member of the Oman Fencing Committee.

The BBC citation for Rumaitha read: “Women and Girls, You Are Part of the Climate Solution is the title of Omani scientist Rumaitha Al Busaidi’s 2021 TED Talk, which has garnered more than a million views and reflects her championing of Arab women’s rights. Al Busaidi’s expertise has led to her position on the Arab Youth Council for Climate Change and the Environment Society of Oman.”

“She has also advised the Biden administration on delivering climate-informed foreign aid, and the government of Greenland on sustainable tourism. She is the youngest Omani woman to reach the South Pole and the founder of WomeX, a platform to help Arab women develop business negotiation skills.”

Speaking to BBC, Rumaitha said: “The No.1 solution to overcome climate change is to empower women and girls. The multiplier effect they have across their communities will change perceptions and actions and protect this place we call home.”

What is 100 Women?
BBC 100 Women names 100 influential and inspiring women around the world every year. BBC creates documentaries, features and interviews about their lives - stories that put women at the centre and are published and broadcast on all BBC platforms.

How were the 100 Women chosen?
The BBC 100 Women team drew up a shortlist based on names they gathered through research and those suggested by the BBC’s network of World Service Languages teams, as well as BBC Media Action.

BBC looked for candidates who had made headlines or influenced important stories over the past 12 months, as well as those who have inspiring stories to tell, or have achieved something significant or influenced their societies in ways that wouldn’t necessarily make the news.

A pool of names was also assessed against this year’s theme – climate change and its disproportionate impact on women and girls around the world, from which a group of 28 Climate Pioneers and other environmental leaders were selected.

BBC represented voices from across the political spectrum and from all areas of society, explored names around topics that split opinion, and nominated women who have created their own change.

The list was also measured for regional representation and due impartiality before the final names were chosen.