Muscat – The Omani French Friendship Association (OFA) held the fourth edition of the ‘Inspirational Women of Oman’ series in celebration of Omani Women’s Day on Wednesday at Hormuz Grand Muscat.

The event included an awards ceremony in which two Omani women received awards from H E Veronique Aulagnon, French Ambassador to Oman, and Sulaiman al Harthy, Chairperson of OFA and CEO of Alizz Islamic Bank.

“We have to recognise the efforts and leadership of these women. It is not always an easy journey for them or their families who support them… and so I think it is important to encourage them and to hear from them,” said H E Veronique.

“It is a fantastic day to recognise our mothers, our sisters, our colleagues… for their wonderful contributions. A woman always is half, if not the base of society,” Harthy said on the occasion.

The first recipient of the award, Noora al Zidjali, is a clinical instructor and senior mental health nurse at Al Masarra Hospital. She was awarded for her work in drug addiction rehabilitation. Originally an ICU nurse, Noora decided to shift her career focus to addiction recovery after losing four relatives to drugs in 2007. She dedicated her award to her patients. “Today, I am standing here to convey the message that these people need a chance to recover.”

The second award recipient was Nadia al Maashari, founder of Sadqat al Yateem, a local volunteer group that was formed in Sidab with the aim of promoting solidarity and mutual support in the local community. With over 50 members, the team supports various social causes and hosts community bonding events.
“I am proud to receive this award, but this is not my win alone. It is the entire team’s win,” said Nadia.

In addition, the event included a panel discussion with four remarkable Omani women – Yuthar Mohammed Msellem al Rawahy, Founder and Honourary Life President of Oman Cancer Association, Hon Sabah bint Mohammed al Bahlani, CEO at Association of Early Intervention for Children with Disability and Member of State Council, Dr Lamya Adnan al Haj, Associate Professor at Sultan Qaboos University, and Sayyida Dr Shariffa Khalid Qais al Said, Educational Expert at Ministry of Education.

“This annual event is important for OFA’s family because it is a precious moment to recognise outstanding women who are working hard in attaining their goals, in helping others and in contributing to the development of their community,” shared Marie Eliçagaray, Coordinator at OFA.

(Contributed by Hibba al Kindi)