Last Thursday, as we celebrated Omani Women’s Day, I found myself deeply reflecting on the pivotal role women have played in the development of the Sultanate of Oman and their indispensable importance to our future. The challenges we face as a nation—especially the urgent threat of climate change—demand the full participation of women in every facet of our society. The day is not only a celebration of our progress but also a call to action for the journey ahead.
The Sultanate of Oman proudly stands as the first Gulf country to grant women the right to vote and run for office, a legacy of women’s leadership that began in the 1970s. Omani women have shattered barriers in education and entrepreneurship, particularly in STEM fields—science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Today, women outnumber men in these disciplines, and more women are leading their own businesses than men. Despite these remarkable achievements, women’s workforce participation remains alarmingly low. In 2023, only 32 per cent of women in the Sultanate of Oman were part of the labour force, compared to 88 per cent of men. This disparity is not unique to Oman; globally, women’s labour force participation hovers just under 47 per cent, while men stand at 72 per cent.
This gap is not merely a statistic; it represents a missed opportunity in our collective efforts not only for GDP growth but also to combat climate change. Oman Vision 2040 outlines ambitious goals for sustainable development and economic diversification, but these goals can only be realised by harnessing the full potential of our human capital. Women are not just essential to climate action—they are leaders. Across the globe, women are disproportionately affected by climate change, particularly in the Global South. In Oman, coastal communities face rising sea levels and extreme weather events, where women play a pivotal role in building resilience and safeguarding their families and communities.
While many women continue to excel, societal factors continue to limit their full participation in Oman’s economy. As we confront the growing threat of climate change, it is imperative that these factors be eased, as women need to be present in decision-making roles, especially in sectors like fisheries, manufacturing, and renewable energy—key areas for the Sultanate of Oman’s sustainability efforts.
However, empowerment cannot happen in isolation. Male allyship and sponsorship are critical to advancing women’s roles in climate action and beyond. While we encourage women to build their confidence and networks, it is equally important that men, especially those in leadership positions, advocate for and support women’s inclusion in key discussions. Creating environments where men champion women’s voices helps break down stereotypes and ensures that Oman’s approach to climate change is both inclusive and effective. It’s not just about women rising—it’s about all of us rising together.
Climate change is urgent and cannot be addressed by overlooking half of our population. Women are already leading climate adaptation efforts in the country, and their leadership is vital for creating a sustainable, resilient Oman. Oman Vision 2040 will only be realised if everyone is enabled to lead, innovate, and act in the face of these challenges.
The question we must all ask ourselves is: How will we ensure that no one is left behind in this mission? The future of the Sultanate of Oman depends on our collective answer. By breaking down barriers, fostering inclusive leadership, and empowering every woman and girl, we can build a resilient and thriving nation capable of meeting the challenges of tomorrow.
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