Muscat – Omani women have been at the forefront of building the nation for over 50 years of the Blessed Renaissance. Their eagerness to see Oman grow and prosper in various fields has been vital in the development of the sultanate and today, in what could only be termed a paradigm shift, it is common to see women’s participation in every field.

Among the many women setting examples are Areej Mohsin Haider Darwish, Chairperson of the Automotive, Construction Equipment & Renewable Energy (ACERE) cluster of Mohsin Haider Darwish, Siham al Harthy, Founder of Siham Development & Investment, and Dr Amaal Rashid al Abrawi, CEO of Falha, who are standing in the Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OCCI) elections.

‘The path to success is not a straight line’
“As an individual and business leader, I have always believed that we need to contribute to nation building and serve the community to achieve the nation’s goals. My extensive experience in the business sector as Chairperson of MHD ACERE, as well as being a member of Sharaka from 2019 to 2020 and Chairperson of Oman Business Forum, gave me the impetus to stand for OCCI elections as I want to contribute to the developmental plans through active participation,” Areej told Muscat Daily.

She added that OCCI is seeking strategic partnerships with both public and private sectors and is eager for growth of businesses across economic sectors. “It is also playing a crucial role in positioning Oman as an attractive destination for foreign direct investment, and promoting SMEs and innovative ways of doing business. These are goals which I would like to work on to further accelerate the economic growth in Oman. I would like to work on the long-term goals on a national scale with OCCI to take Oman’s economy to greater heights.”

On how she can make a difference, Areej said her objectives are and always have been in line with the vision laid out for Oman by the late Sultan Qaboos bin Said and His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik.

“My first and foremost objective is contributing to the development of Oman and its economy in general to achieve its strategic goals as outlined in the national development plans and visions,” she said.

“Also, on my agenda are supporting the economic sectors with the aim of creating a balanced growth and development between oil and non-oil sectors, empowering women across the country, creating an attractive business climate to encourage foreign investments and joint partnerships between Oman and other countries,” she added.

On the challenges she is ready to face as a woman, Areej said that the path to success is not a straight line. “It’s very often a curved one with challenges along the way. I embrace challenges with positivity as I am a very positive person and have the opinion that we can overcome challenges by attuning our perception and with the right approach to a challenge.

“Challenges help build our leadership skills and make us realise that anything is possible. Every challenge is an opportunity to take us to the next level,” she said.

Areej stated that the late Sultan Qaboos bin Said stressed on Omani women playing their due role in Oman’s society and economy and presented them equal opportunities in education, employment and social development.

“Complementing this approach, His Majesty Sultan bin Haitham has also laid special emphasis on women as he considers us a pillar of development. He has empowered and given women a platform to grow and fulfil our career aspirations and participate in various aspects of the economy,” she said.

“Omani women have carved a niche for themselves across all sectors. It is commendable that we have Omani women at the helm and key positions. They are making a key contributions to the growth and development of the nation.”

Areej noted that the women of today are breaking barriers and the sky is the limit to what they can achieve.

“It takes time, perseverance and determination to succeed; patience is the key. Having more women on the Board of OCCI will demonstrate the strides being taken by Oman in women empowerment. This will encourage and inspire other young Omani women to new milestones and greater heights.”

‘OCCI needs clear strategy’
For Siham al Harthy, Founder of Siham Development & Investment, a shift from the government to private sector revealed the gap that exists as a result of OCCI’s lack of a clear strategy in the role it plays as an advisory platform representing the private sector internally and externally.

“I hope to start creating a clear strategy and objectives for the chamber for the coming years by setting regional and global performance indicators to measure its performance,” she said.

“OCCI should be a strategic partner with the government in formulating laws and regulations that attract investment. Forming a council of businessmen and women which meets periodically with decision-makers in the government, through which opportunities and challenges are discussed in a transparent manner for real solutions, will enhance the business environment.”

Siham noted the need to follow up on the growth of small startups and support their development to turn into medium and large companies, which in turn will support the economy and provide job opportunities to young people. “We need to create opportunities for Omani companies to enter the global market and to attract foreign investments,” she said.

Siham’s other strategic plans include gaining the confidence of senior businessmen to contribute to the chamber’s activities and participate in the Board of Directors by providing distinguished services of added value to its affiliates. Additionally, she plans to initiate raising the indicators of the private sector’s contribution to the various development sectors, especially tourism, energy, logistics, knowledge economy and foreign investment, and issue periodic statistical and analytical bulletins for various economic sectors to help public and private decision-makers make appropriate investment decisions.

On gender gap, Siham said, “I don’t believe that there are much differences between men and women in management; it is the ability to lead and the vision of the leader that matter. You can lead only by creating a team that has the same goals and passion to succeed. The challenges are the same, how these are managed make the difference.

“The agenda for OCCI also promotes wider community and sector participation. This is seen in my campaign messages across social media and media interviews. This is not about one candidate but about increasing the diversification of the OCCI board members.”

Siham said OCCI’s healthy balance sheet suggests it can also act as a significant investor in the community it represents. “Additionally, OCCI needs to work in close coordination with other business chambers in the GCC,” she said.

‘There is no gender discrimination in Oman’
Dr Amaal Rashid al Abrawi, CEO of Falha, said the recent Royal Decree regarding OCCI board membership has given equal opportunities to men and women. “We are fortunate that there is no gender discrimination. I, being a woman, am fortunate and privileged to contest in the OCCI elections equally along with the other male contestants. I strongly believe that there is no cerebral difference between men and women in facing the challenges regardless of who they are. The credentials and experience of an individual are all that matter to contribute to the agenda placed by the OCCI Board. I strongly believe in the talent regardless of the gender,” she said.

“Women being appointed as leaders and decision makers in various government and private sector institutions reflect that we are privileged and fortunate to be given equal opportunities in sultanate. I urge all women to come forward fearlessly and participate in the growth of the nation. I also advocate equality in empowerment of both men and women based on credentials, not on gender,” she added.

Amaal said the economic challenges that the nation has been encountering because of various reasons helped her gain adequate experience. “Being the owner of a private business entity and having closely witnessed and experienced challenges for the past ten years, besides being a member of OCCI for the past eight years, as well as the board member of ASMED (Authority of Small and Medium Enterprises Development), I understand the dynamics of the market in general and have a thorough overview of the OCCI Board, its responsibilities and the accountabilities of a board member,” she said.

She said that her vision is to contribute, not only to the economic growth of the private industry, but also for its sustainability in sync with the Oman Vision 2040. “The OCCI structure needs amendments to reach the next stage to align with Oman Vision 2040 in giving equal rights to voters as given to OCCI members. My aim is to equip, facilitate and support startups to place themselves strategically in the market,” she said.

Reasoning why she is the right candidate for the OCCI Board, she said, “I am passionate about business and I understand and have experienced the challenges that business owners encounter on a daily basis in running a business. I have comprehensive knowledge about OCCI and liaisoning with private business entities.

“I am equipped with adequate qualifications, and I take the privilege to state that I have a Master’s degree in Business Administration, and am certified as an Industrial Innovation Technology Specialist. Additionally, I am qualified as a digital finance expert, which gives me an edge as a contestant,” she added.
@shadadm