Muscat : Women in Oman have made remarkable strides in various sectors, now comprising 42 per cent of the public sector workforce. "Women outnumber men in service industries like healthcare, education, and social work. Many work in the retail sector, and they also make up 88 per cent of the country’s craftspeople. Women in Oman are also leading the way in entrepreneurship, with more women than men now running their own businesses," reports The Arab Center Washington, DC.
However, the centre points out that there are still areas for growth, particularly in women’s political leadership and the inclusion of rural women. Oman’s Basic Law, enacted in 1996, prohibits gender discrimination, but more policies are needed to foster women’s leadership in politics.
Historically, women in Oman have held vital roles, exemplified by the women of Sur in Al Sharqiyah South Governorate. Khalid al Mukhaini, a historian from Sur, highlights how these women were integral to their families and communities during their husbands’ long sea voyages.
“Women helped prepare their husbands for the journey, got their children ready for their first trip at sea, and maintained their homes and families in the men’s absence. They also sewed clothes and prepared complete travel kits,” explains Khalid.
The travel season from August to May meant that women managed their households for extended periods, handling finances and overseeing family matters. They even participated in the local economy, purchasing goods from the market and expertly mixing spices that remain popular today.
In Central Oman, Bedouin women are known for their skills in ‘Rahas’, a freshwater snail fishery. Using spears, they hunt rayfish, cuttlefish, and octopus, collecting oysters and clams to sell at local markets. However, the future of these traditional practices may depend on access to larger markets and better urban opportunities.
Recognising the importance of empowering rural women, the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources has launched initiatives to enhance their financial independence. In Ibri, rural women are encouraged to build projects in vegetable cultivation, apiculture, poultry, and dairy farming.
The ministry provides them with essential tools such as refrigerators, hatching devices, and packaging equipment. The "Rifi" programme, in collaboration with the Oman Development Bank, supports women’s entrepreneurship and promotes eco-friendly practices, while the brand ‘From My Home’ allows women to market their products effectively.
As urban women achieve entrepreneurial success, rural women too are making their mark. What they need now is access to larger markets, a stronger digital presence, and continued support to enhance their skills and knowledge. With sustained learning and support, women in both urban and rural Oman will continue to shape the country’s future.
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