Muscat – The Ministry of Social Development (MoSD) disbursed RO122.17mn in 2023 to aid 79,597 beneficiaries under social security, and gave an additional RO7.8mn as financial assistance during emergencies, including relief efforts for disasters.

These figures were disclosed during the ministry’s annual media briefing on Thursday, which shed light on its accomplishments, key performance indicators, and forthcoming projects designed to address a variety of social needs.

Minister H E Laila bint Ahmed al Najjar outlined MoSD’s projects in 2023, emphasising its dedication to tackling social challenges.

The ministry conducted 2,202 anti-begging campaigns, resulting in the detention of 156 individuals, with 17 cases handed over to Royal Oman Police and 13 undergoing investigation.

Efforts to prevent bullying among school children and combat violence against women were also increased through targeted media campaigns.

The ministry supported persons with disabilities, worked for the development of families and communities, encouraged volunteer work, and fostered partnerships for social responsibility demonstrating its commitment to social care and protection.

Assistance was extended to 82,215 social security and low-income individuals, with RO4,982,820 allocated to various programmes and activities. MoSD registered 52,455 persons with disabilities, improved facilities at autism centres and provided prosthetic devices and support to 7,897 beneficiaries.

In promoting family empowerment, the ministry supported 42 women in launching home-based enterprises in 2023 with financial backing of RO24,000.

An electronic platform called Maksab was introduced to assist families engaged in the cottage industry, alongside establishing temporary local markets for 86 productive families. Three cooperation agreements and memorandums of understanding were signed to enhance the economic and social empowerment of families.

For 2024, H E Laila has unveiled an initiative call Tasmu aimed at empowering 50 women in supervisory roles across the governmental and private sectors, and civil society. Additional efforts will focus on organising volunteer work through a platform for volunteers currently in the pipeline, and creation of a Department of Voluntary Work and Social Development Committees, marking a significant step towards fostering a more inclusive and supportive society.