As Oman celebrates Omani Women’s Day on October 17, our hearts swell with pride for the women of our nation.
From educators to baristas, Omani women have made their mark across sectors, contributing to the progress of the country. Yet, amidst the celebration, there is a group whose stories remain largely unspoken, their contributions veiled in the fabric of daily life — expatriate women who have travelled far from their homelands to make a difference in Oman.
These women, hailing from India, Indonesia, the Philippines, Lebanon, and countless other countries, are the silent contributors to our society, performing roles that often go unnoticed.
They may not wear the national dress or speak the language fluently, but their efforts nurture Oman’s community spirit in ways that deserve equal recognition.
Take, for instance, the Indian women who have set up a small beauty salon in a quiet neighbourhood (Aisha and Vindo) or those who work there (Clarissa and Monika). Everyday, they offer their services and a sanctuary for Omani women — a place where they can momentarily escape the stresses of daily life and feel renewed.
They have mastered the art of connecting with their clients, and crossing cultural boundaries through the simple act of caring for another. Their work is not just about outward beauty but about fostering confidence and self-worth in the women who sit in their chairs.
In another corner of the city is a Filipina housemaid who has become an indispensable part of an Omani household.
Far from her children, she pours her energy into caring for another family. Her hands work tirelessly, maintaining homes with a level of dedication that reflects her love for her own distant family. Many may see her as just a helper, but she is, in truth, the quiet backbone of countless families, her labour ensuring that others can pursue their professional dreams without worry. These women, often unseen and unheard, carry the weight of two worlds — their own and the one they have come to support.
Then there are those entrepreneurial expat women who, despite the odds, have carved out spaces for themselves in Oman’s economy. Consider the Lebanese woman (Hilda Halabi Ashkar) who opened the first Keto kitchen in Muscat.
Her small business may not make headlines, but it sustains her family back home while offering Omani residents a taste of something new. She has bridged cultures through food, introducing healthier lifestyles while building a bridge between her heritage and the local palate. Her shop is not just a place of business; it is a testament to resilience and the spirit of possibility, showing how even the smallest of ventures can leave a lasting impact on a community.
As Oman continues to modernise, the contributions of these expatriate women become even more critical. They are not merely employees or business owners; they are mothers, sisters, and daughters who carry the weight of entire communities on their shoulders. Their sacrifices allow them to support families thousands of miles away, while they simultaneously enrich our society with their skills, their perseverance, and their quiet acts of service.
In celebrating Omani Women’s Day, it is time we widen the circle of recognition to include these expatriate women. They may not be citizens by birth, but through their labour, love, and dedication, they have become integral to the fabric of Oman. They enrich our neighbourhoods, foster cultural exchange, and, most importantly, provide for their families — both here and abroad — with courage and grace.
So as we honour Omani women for their contributions, let us not forget the unsung pillars of our community — the expat women who stand beside them, adding value to our society in ways we often take for granted.
Their stories, too, deserve to be celebrated, for they are stories of hope, strength, and a shared humanity that transcends borders. Let this Omani Women’s Day be a celebration of all women who make Oman a better, kinder, and more vibrant place to call home.
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