Tuesday 07 / May / 2024
Muscat: Omani women are a symbol of fertility, growth and giving. They are honoured by Islam for their exalted role and the impact in building up society.
In this sense, the Omani Women’s Day is a badge of honour and appreciation that Omani women have received from their wise government. It is in confirmation and honour of the essential role that she plays in bringing about progress on this good land. On their part, their pledge and loyalty to this beautiful country is renewed. So, congratulations to the Omani woman in the plains or the mountains, beyond the lands and the seas.
The wise government attaches great importance to empowering Omani women and supporting them to perform their roles in society along with her male counterparts. They are the two wings by which nations take their flight to progress, in harmony and in a sustained manner.
Their importance can be felt by their presence in civil, military, governmental and private fields. The government’s utmost trust in them can also be perceived in this fact and in their ability to play the role entrusted to them; they are ministers, doctors, teachers, engineers or in any military or civilian offices.
The gestures of Her Highness the Honourable Lady Assayida Ahd Abdullah Hamed Al Busaidi, Spouse of the Sultan of Oman, in her messages of trust, appreciation and responsibility to Omani women is evident, encouraging as it is to contribute their might to the building of the nation and raising its status among the comity of nations.
Nadia Rashid bint Saif Al Maktumi, a specialist in family and educational counselling and CEO of the Nadia Al Maktumi Centre for Family Counselling, said: “I personally had the pleasure of reaping the fruits of giving as an Omani woman as I am a wife and mother of seven children before I am a family counselling specialist and founder of the Nadia Al Maktoum Centre for Family Counselling. I was raised from my early childhood on love and loyalty to this country and I grew up with a desire to leave my imprint on this country. I am proud that I am an Omani mother who has made efforts in raising my children to be individuals capable of developing themselves and their country as well.”
She added: “I also had a passion for achieving for myself and also contributing to building my community through a journey of passion and challenge that began since I was a student. I looked upon myself at that time as Nadia, so I took up science to start my journey of passion and ambition. Since I was a student, I have been diligent on my work, and I have distinguished myself by the grace of God, in all my educational stages, right since my first grade of primary school until now. I am completing my doctoral study in educational psychology now.”
Fawzia bint Abdulaziz, has studied forensic medicine, but has built up a factory for one of the major oil companies. She is the first Omani woman to run an oil blending factory. In Oman’s 2040 vision, the focus is on providing a suitable environment for women to participate strongly in various aspects of economic, social and political life.
Fawzia said: “Omani women are well-known in the Arab world and in the international community, where they have become a role model for other women who seek success and have a better future for themselves and their community. In my opinion, Omani women are as determined as any other woman in the world. I realised that we are growing in certain organisations, especially in senior and operational positions.I can also see different platforms launched by His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik - may God protect him - and the Honourable Lady, Her Highness Ahd for the development of Omani women in various fields.”
She further said: “The Honourable lady gave the Omani woman and many groups of society a lot of support, and this gave the Omani woman a strong impetus towards success.”
Fawzia confirmed that in Oman’s 2040 vision, focus was placed on providing a suitable environment for women to participate strongly in various aspects of economic, social and political life and enable them to promote comprehensive and sustainable development efforts. Many factors have led to the enhancement of the role of women as active partners in society. These include their access to education and employment and participation in various areas of development.
Dr. Sabah Al-Sulaimani, an Omani pioneer who has achieved many local, regional and international awards, received the Royal Commendation Medal from His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik, said: “I am very proud, as an Omani woman to be honoured and awarded this high-level medal, especially since it is from the Sultan. Omani women have proven year after year, their unlimited capacity for dedication and giving and their determination to continue building Oman.”
She added, “On this special day, I can only praise the majesty of the Omani woman for the challenge and distinction she carries in her genes. The Omani woman has proven, year after year, her unlimited capacity for dedication and exhibiting her determination to build Oman. This day, so dear to our hearts, every Omani woman is the focus of attention, and from her various locations, every Omani woman tells a story of determination and pride, pride in her achievements one after the other, a joy for the nation and a shining image of its development.”
Nazik Al Balushi, an employee at Bank Muscat, said women have a prominent role in leading many initiatives and teams and have a clear imprint in all areas, departments and branches, explaining that since joining Bank Muscat, she has been receiving great attention to develop and enhance many skills that helped her climb the ladder. She had the opportunity to lead a number of initiatives and participate in many activities, exhibitions and various programs.
Al Balushi called on every Omani woman to realise the importance of their presence and the importance of motivating themselves to achieve future achievements.
