Oman marks Women's Day with focus on recognition and empowerment

The Sultanate of Oman, represented by the Ministry of Social Development, marks Omani Women’s Day on 17 October each year. This year’s celebration is held under the theme “She is Oman”, affirming the esteemed position of Omani women and the continued support they receive as key partners in building the nation and shaping its future.

The theme “She is Oman” symbolises the presence of Omani women in their authenticity, values, and achievements. It reflects their vital role in the nation’s progress and development through their dedication, perseverance, and loyalty. The slogan also carries national, human, and social dimensions that highlight women’s active partnership in shaping Oman’s present and future, and honours their role as the foundation of the family and society—the cornerstone from which progress begins.

The slogan embodies Oman’s pride in its women, starting within the family where women form the nucleus of unity and compassion, a source of care and giving, and the nurturers of generations that contribute to the Sultanate’s progress in all fields. The Omani woman is a mother, educator, and role model who instils values, nurtures ambition, and builds with devotion a stable environment that contributes to a cohesive and balanced society.

The celebration extends to her presence across many other sectors—education, academia, economy, defence and security, culture and media, social and humanitarian work, diplomacy, youth and sports, environment, technology, healthcare, crafts, law, tourism, and crisis management—in recognition of her achievements and contributions to Oman’s national development.

To read the message of Her Highness the Honourable Lady on Omani Women's Day click here.

Dr Laila bint Ahmed Al Najjar, Minister of Social Development, congratulated Omani women and expressed her pride in their accomplishments and pioneering contributions across all sectors. She affirmed that Omani women have always been a cornerstone and an active partner in building society, thanks both to the constant support and care of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik, and to their own talents and capabilities.

The Minister said that empowering Omani women remains a national priority aligned with Oman’s vision of strengthening their participation in the nation’s progress. She explained that the Ministry continues to implement programmes and initiatives that support women throughout all stages of life, enhance their presence in society, and promote their contribution to comprehensive national development.

Oman has devoted significant attention to strengthening women’s rights and ensuring their full participation across all fields through a comprehensive legal framework that guarantees equality and non-discrimination.

The Basic Law of the State enshrines the principle of equality between women and men in rights and duties and equality before the law, in addition to the principle of equal opportunities in candidacy and elections.

Recent national legislation includes a set of laws supporting women’s rights, such as the Labour Law, which introduced advanced provisions for working women, including extended maternity leave in line with international standards, and the Social Protection Law, which provides comprehensive coverage for women in all social circumstances.

Other laws, including those on education and healthcare, ensure equality in services. Legal amendments have also enabled women to obtain passports without a guardian’s consent, reflecting the State’s firm commitment to women’s legal empowerment and their rights in line with development aspirations.

The Ministry of Social Development plays a pivotal role in supporting Omani women through developing national policies and coordinating efforts to empower them and enhance their active participation in society.

The Ministry’s Social Work Strategy (2016–2025) establishes policies based on women’s development and their role in the family, adopting a human-rights-based approach to safeguard the rights of women, children, and persons with disabilities in partnership with civil associations and organisations. Gender indicators form the basis of its implementation plans.

The strategy’s executive plan includes women-focused programmes under the Family and Community Development pillar, aimed at achieving fair and evidence-based national policies and legislation that support family stability and cohesion. It also includes initiatives for empowering women with disabilities, elderly women, and women from low-income and social security households.

The Ministry attaches great importance to enhancing women’s leadership roles through national initiatives and specialised training programmes to build their capacities in electoral participation, leadership, management, and policy-making. These efforts aim to prepare women to take part in elections and decision-making bodies. Collaboration continues with public and private institutions to create an environment supportive of women’s leadership.

Last year, the Ministry launched the “Tasmu” initiative in cooperation with the Royal Academy of Management to develop leadership competencies among Omani women. The programme enhanced personal and professional skills and benefited 50 female leaders from government, private, and civil society institutions.

Omani Women’s Associations are among the most important community institutions contributing to women’s participation in social development. They implement training, cultural, and social programmes that raise awareness and develop women’s skills in various fields.

By the end of 2024, there were 68 Omani Women’s Associations across the Sultanate, comprising 13,570 members. The Ministry continues to develop their capacities through technical and administrative support and by promoting partnerships with public and private institutions to ensure the sustainability of their social and economic initiatives. The Ministry also encourages these associations to launch innovative social projects that produce tangible benefits and strengthen women’s role as active partners in social development.

Through its various programmes, the Ministry works to enhance women’s participation in production and entrepreneurship by offering training, qualification, and supportive environments for their projects.

The “Tamkeen” programme benefited around 202 women by 2024, providing economic, training, and funding opportunities and supporting home-based small and medium enterprises. In addition, 270 women joined capacity-building programmes and 86 women participated in training linked to employment.

The Ministry also implemented the “Wiki Omani Women” initiative (2021–2024) to enrich digital content about Omani women and document their achievements in the global encyclopedia Wikipedia, resulting in the documentation of 100 Omani women.

Another initiative, the Women Inmates Empowerment Programme (2020–2025), aims to assess the needs of women in correctional institutions and develop their skills through educational and awareness programmes. It supports their reintegration after release through post-care mechanisms that include small or medium enterprise opportunities and marketing channels, contributing to psychological, social, and economic stability. Since 2021, the programme has conducted 64 workshops and training sessions.

The Ministry has also sought to strengthen Omani women’s international representation, enabling their active participation in global and regional forums through membership in human rights committees and organisations. Oman’s current representation includes:

• Membership in the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child (2023–2026)
  Membership in the UNICEF Executive Board (2024–2026)
  Membership in the UN Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women (2025–2028)
  Membership in the Executive Council of the Arab Women Organization
  Membership in the UNESCO Executive Board (2023–2027)
  Representation within the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), where an Omani woman serves as Director-General for Cultural, Social, and Family Affairs.

Oman also participates in UN committees on women and children through its Permanent Mission to the United Nations in New York, reflecting Omani women’s growing international presence and leadership.

The annual celebration of Omani Women’s Day reinforces a culture of appreciation and recognition of women’s central role in maintaining social cohesion and stability. It showcases their success stories—from family life to professional and creative fields—and conveys an inspiring message to future generations of women and girls: that Omani women have always been, and will continue to be, active partners in development, models of perseverance and dedication, and a vital force in Oman’s renewed renaissance.

This is an unofficial English version of an Arabic report. To view the official Arabic text, click here.

To read the message of Her Highness the Honourable Lady on Omani Women's Day click here.