Keep your sleeves rolled up

Women worldwide stand as the backbone of a society. They are the primary caretakers of children and the supervisors of the entire family. As mothers, they are responsible for childrearing and childbearing. A mother's role extends to shaping her children’s habits of self-control, productivity, hard work, honesty, and integrity.

As a mother, she is often the first teacher a child encounters; it is from her that a child learns societal norms, moral codes, and the principles that govern behaviour. Thus, she plays a crucial role in maintaining discipline within the family. As a nurturing figure, she is also concerned about the physical and emotional welfare of every family member. May the Almighty Allah bless all mothers.

Generally, women act as humble managers of family affairs. For instance, a considerate woman takes on the responsibility of maximising returns on every penny spent. She aims to create a surplus budget rather than a deficit for her family. While spending money, she weighs potential losses against profits and wisely allocates income based on needs, luxuries, and comforts.

This kind of a woman serves as a true companion, partner, and friend to her partner. In addition to being an effective manager, she often sacrifices her personal happiness and comforts to relieve the stress and tension of her husband, thereby creating a positive living environment for the entire family. In this way, she becomes a source of inspiration.

The growth of any society is often measured by the degree of cultural and social development of women and their contributions to cultural construction. A society that respects women and recognises them as integral members ensures their influential role in shaping and developing the community. To achieve this, outdated traditions that undermine the dignity of women must be wiped out while preserving values and ethics.

Of course, in today’s world, the importance of women in society is beyond doubt. With their intelligence, ambition, and strength, women have demonstrated that they are key partners in nation-building and capable leaders. The traditional and conservative view of women as merely wives and bearers of children is becoming obsolete. While some women excel as mothers and homemakers, many are also successful in various professional fields.

Today, women serve as army and police officers — roles that were historically restricted to men. They have proven their ability to be full members of society, influencing different aspects of life and being real partners for family and society.

Omani women have also shown dedication in contributing to national development. Since the beginning of the Blessed Omani Renaissance in the 1970s, Omani women have been called upon to roll up their sleeves and share responsibilities with men in building new Oman. They have played a significant role since then.

When he came to the throne, the late His Majesty Sultan Qaboos addressed Omani women throughout the country, saying: “We call upon Omani women everywhere, in the villages and cities, in both urban and Bedouin communities, in the hills and mountains, to roll up their sleeves and contribute to the process of economic and social development — everyone, according to their capabilities, experience, skills, and their position in life.”

Since then, women in Oman have achieved great milestones that many women in other countries have yet to attain. They have significantly contributed to the well-being of their families, communities and the nation as a whole. Omani women are regarded as reliable partners alongside men in shaping the future of Oman.

The Omani woman has always been the cornerstone of society; she is a mother and caregiver, a wife who manages the household, a sister, and a daughter. Additionally, she is a decision-maker dedicated to building a brighter future for generations to come. To all Omani women, keep your sleeves rolled up always!