Oman

Women in focus at 'Human Capital: Women and Young in Front' economic conference

 
The Omani French Friendship Association (OFA), in collaboration with the Economic Department of the French Embassy, organised the 5th edition of the French Weeks in Oman. The event is in conjunction with International Women's Day.

The event, aimed at putting forward the strong ties between the Sultanate of Oman and France, was held under the auspices of His Highness Sayyid Tarik al Said, Honorary member of the OFA and Vice-Chairman of Tawoos Renaissance, and Véronique Aulagnon, Ambassador of France to the Sultanate of Oman. It is part of the French Weeks in Oman in 2023.

Titled 'Human Capital: Women and Young in Front', this year's economic conference edition is special since it is a month-long celebration spread over March month.

The French Embassy and sponsoring companies are programming various events in Muscat, including concerts, cultural and scientific events, workshops and conferences.

At the economic conference, more than 100 participants, several recognised leaders from Omani and French organisations, shared their views and best practices to promote a human-centred approach to the workplace while conducting corporate social responsibility actions.

After a keynote video speech by Pascale Sourisse, an inspiring French woman leader and General Director for International Development of Thales, the first panel, entitled 'My boss is a Woman', focused in particular on empowering women and breaking the glass ceiling in the corporate.

Five expert panellists addressed the issues facing women in their career paths, such as leadership opportunities, work-life balance and the gender pay gap. The panel also tackled strategies for creating an inclusive workplace that values diversity and provides equal chances for all.

Those who took part in the event included Ghaniya al Rashdy, Finance Controller, Petroleum Development Oman (PDO); Marie Laure Tassin, Near and Middle East HR Director, Veolia; Hanaa al Hinai, CEO, Al Ahlia Insurance Company; Berivan Suzgun, Head of People and Organisational Development, DEI – AMEA, Engie, Caline Daher, Head of Networks and Partnerships, and École Supérieure des Affaires (ESA) - Business School.

The second panel, entitled 'Training of the Future', focused on enhancing the skills of young professionals, training innovative leaders, managing Omanisation and making the best use of offsets for training programs. Five experts from leading Omani and French companies shared their insights and expertise on these topics, providing valuable perspectives on the latest trends and best practices in talent development.

Bechir Chehab, Managing Director, JCDecaux, Noora al Raaidan, Senior Manager of Workforce Planning, Omantel, John Murphy, Head of Learning and Development, Renaissance Services, Nadeem Ahmed, General Manager, Khimji Training Institute, Youcef Rachidi, Cyber Security Technical Manager, Thales Cyber Academy were part of the panel.

UK Embassy event to focus on women entrepreneurship

The British Embassy in the Sultanate of Oman is organising an event focusing women entrepreneurship, possibilities and challenges at the embassy premises to mark International Women's Day.

Besides shedding a spotlight on women entrepreneurship, the launch of Tamkeen- the BEM coaching programme, will be held at the occasion.

Amal al Raisi, Oman's acclaimed fashion designer, will shed light on the possibilities of women entrepreneurship in the Sultanate of Oman, followed by a debate on the subject. Her latest collection will be unveiled at the occasion.

'Doors will open to receive the attendees by 3.30 pm, and the celebrations will begin by 4 pm,' Mirvat Morcos, Communications Head, told the Observer.