For a nation to progress, both men and women must prosper in a society that provides equal opportunities. Discrimination on the basis of gender is not only inhuman but also retards the economic, social and psychological growth of a nation.

Ever since His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik took oath of office, he was aware of the immense potential and possibilities that the half of the population can provide for development; in a short span of 12 months, he has left no stone unturned to continue to provide the best to the women of Oman.

In August last year, His Majesty Sultan Haitham issued 28 Royal Decrees, which saw several new appointments and a major restructuring of the state’s administrative apparatus.

The new Council of Ministers includes Dr Rahma bint Ibrahim bin Said al Mahrouqiyah – Minister of Higher Education, Research and Innovation; Laila bint Ahmed bin Awadh al Najar – Minister of Social Development, and Dr Madiha bint Ahmed bin Nasser al Shibaniyah, who continued as Minister of Education.

Other Royal Decrees appointed Dr Muna bint Salim bin Khalfan al Jardaniyah as Undersecretary for Vocational Training in the Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Innovation, and Maithaa bint Saif bin Majid al Mahrouqiyah as Undersecretary for Tourism in the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism.

Other new undersecretaries include Asila bint Salim bin Sulaiman al Samsamiyah as Undersecretary for Investment Promotion in the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion; Dr Fatima Mohammed al Ajmi as Undersecretary for Administration and Financial and Planning Affairs in Ministry of Health; and Halima bint Rashid bin Sulaiman al Zeraiyah, Chairperson (special grade) of Small and Medium Enterprises Development Authority.

On the occasion of Omani Women’s Day, His Majesty Sultan Haitham awarded the Royal Commendation Medal to five Omani women for their contribution to the nation.

The Honourable Lady, Spouse of His Majesty the Sultan, presented the medals at Al Barakah Palace on October 17, 2020. 

Dr Fatma bint Muhammad al Ajmiya, Undersecretary for Administrative, Financial and Planning Affairs in the Ministry of Health, was presented the Royal Commendation Medal of Second Degree. Aisha bint Omar bin Ahmed al Habshiyah, Farida bint Musa bin Juma al Balushi, Zahra bint Salem al Awfiya and Eng Yusra bint Khalaf bin Suleiman al Subhiya received the Royal Commendation Medal of Third degree.

The Honourable Lady, Spouse of His Majesty the Sultan, also honoured 50 other Omani women who have played a significant role in the country’s development and for their achievements in their field of work.

In her speech on the occasion of Omani’s Women’s Day last year, the Honourable Lady, Spouse of His Majesty the Sultan, said, “I extend my sincere congratulations to Omani women on the occasion of Omani Women’s Day celebrated on October 17 each year. Omani women who responded to the call of the Renaissance are working hard to build the country.”

She said that there is no doubt that dedicating this day every year to the Omani woman highlights her achievements, shedding light on her remarkable contributions, spreading awareness of her prominent role and her high position and enhancing her aspirations for a bright future for the country. 

”This came as a result of the generous support and patronage of the Late His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said,” she said.

“Omani women, over the past 50 years of the Blessed Renaissance, have received ample attention, care and honour. They have got the education, training and employment opportunities to actively participate in the development process of Oman to keep the sultanate in line with other countries of the world,” she added.

Complementing this approach, His Majesty Sultan Haitham is keen to establish the principle of partnership and social responsibility between women and men in Omani society.