Meet the first female officer in charge of an Oman police station

Muscat: For the first time in Omani history, the Royal Oman Police has appointed a senior female police officer to be in charge of a police department.
Lieutenant Colonel Shaikha bint Ashour Al Hambasiyah, the new head of the Al Wattayah police station, said she was happy and thankful to be chosen for this historic appointment.
When asked how successful women juggle a career and motherhood, Lt-Col Shaikha stated that although being successful is taxing, it is important to learn to balance the two.
“I believe that being successful means hard work. But I do my best to reconcile my work and my family, so I don’t neglect either one. It is not an easy task, but it takes a mindful and conscious marriage and an understanding family, that takes my work into consideration. This combination of support has helped me in overcoming the difficulties and obstacles I’ve faced and to achieve my goals,” said Lt- Col. Shaikha. She also commented on the success of female police officers and the role of Omani women, by saying that Omani women have proven their worth in all professions and have been able to gain promotions to most ranks.
The status of female Omani police officers reflects this standard, in which Lt-Col. Shaikha has moved up from an officer to a Lieutenant Colonel. She has also adapted in different job positions, ranging from public safety and investigations, to events and military music. She has become a major participant in the special operations team.
“I joined the Royal Oman Police force in 1990. After my promotion, I worked in the task force of Public Security and Investigation. Six years later, I was nominated in first place for female officers. I was then promoted, again, to
Head of Events and Administrative Affairs.
“In 2011, I was honoured to be the leader of the Military Police force for the female police in front of the Royal Court. That was the most important event of my life. I then moved to other positions in the police force, until it was decided that I would be appointed Officer of the Al Wattaya police station, as the first Omani female police officer in such a role. I am thankful and grateful to those in charge for their trust in me and to honour me with such a task,”
she noted.
Lt-Col Shaikha’s proudest moment was when she led the police women parade in front of the High Court in 2011. She was honoured to be trusted with such a role, which was also the first in the Sultanate and under the patronage of Top Commander His Majesty Sultan Sultan Qaboos bin Said.
According to Lt- Col. Shaikha, it was a unique experience and difficult, to some extent.
But the will power, determination and confidence of the officials helped to overcome those
difficulties.