Muscat – The Sultanate of Oman, represented by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources, joins countries around the world in celebrating the International Day of Rural Women, which falls on October 15th of each year, in appreciation of the vital role they play in rural communities, especially in the agricultural and development fields.

This year’s celebration is held under the theme “Rural Women Grow Good Food for All,” highlighting women’s contributions to healthy and sustainable food production and promoting local development.

The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources emphasised that rural women represent a pivotal element in supporting the national economy, as they contribute effectively to a number of vital sectors such as agriculture, animal husbandry, and handicrafts, in addition to managing home and small businesses in various governorates.

The Ministry indicated that the number of Omani women working in agriculture, animal husbandry, industrial and food operations reached a total of (10,148) women.

She explained that statistics indicate that 89% of rural women work in the field of animal husbandry and production, while 68.2% contribute to agricultural and animal activities, and 37% work in handicraft industries, which indicates the diversity of fields in which Omani rural women are involved.

The Ministry explained that the occasion of the International Day of Rural Women is a national opportunity to recognise the efforts of rural women and their significant contributions to achieving social and economic balance, in addition to their significant role in preserving the craft and environmental heritage, and promoting self-sufficiency in many local communities. It emphasised that the Sultanate of Oman seeks, through its development plans, to support this vital role and empower rural women to continue their effective contribution to building a balanced and sustainable society.

The Ministry has launched a number of programs and initiatives that contribute to raising rural household incomes and encouraging local production. Most notable is the “Rural” program, which aims to support rural women’s projects in the fields of agriculture, livestock, and food production through training, financing, and the provision of equipment.

The ministry stated that the initiatives include poultry and beekeeping projects, providing training programs to qualify women in modern production and marketing methods, and supporting seasonal agricultural projects in various governorates of the Sultanate of Oman.