Muscat – The Ministry of Social Development (MoSD) on Tuesday launched an initiative aimed at empowering girls with intellectual disabilities by equipping them with practical skills that enable them to generate income and participate more actively in society.

The initiative was launched under the patronage of H E Abdullah bin Hamoud Al Harthi, Undersecretary for Persons with Disabilities Affairs in MoSD, at the National Autism Center. 

According to an official at MoSD, the initiative seeks to provide direct practical support to 40 girls with intellectual disabilities, autism spectrum disorder and physical disabilities who are enrolled in rehabilitation centres across Muscat governorate, with the support of Sohar International.

Speaking to Muscat Daily, the official said the programme will provide participants with essential tools and materials required to begin small home-based projects.

“The initiative focuses on equipping participants with practical vocational skills that enable them to launch sustainable home-based businesses and improve their income levels,” the official said.

Training programmes under the initiative will include sewing, hand weaving and perfume making, along with guidance on managing small home-based ventures.

The programme will run until June 2026 and will be implemented in two phases. The first phase will target 30 girls, providing them with training in weaving, sewing and perfume production. The second phase will include an additional 10 participants to complete the programme and expand its impact.

Officials said the initiative aims not only to develop practical skills but also to enhance the economic independence of girls with disabilities and strengthen their participation in community life.

The programme is one of several initiatives developed following a panel discussion on empowering persons with disabilities held in December 2024, which called for practical programmes that promote economic inclusion and independence for this segment of society.

Through partnerships with the private sector, MoSD continues to introduce initiatives designed to provide training opportunities and sustainable income-generating activities for persons with disabilities across the sultanate.