Muscat: The Ministry of Social Development celebrated on Sunday in Muscat the Omani Women's Day, which falls on 17 October every year.
The celebration was held under the auspices of Eng. Salim Nasser Al Aufi, Minister of Energy and Minerals.
The celebration included a theatrical performance which reviewed the journey of celebrating Omani women since the Omani Women's Symposium held at Saih Al Makarim in the Wilayat of Sohar in 2009. That symposium constituted a prominent national milestone in the journey of Omani women, under the royal blessing of the late Sultan Qaboos bin Said and the declaration of 17 October as Omani Women's Day, signalling a new phase of focus on women's issues and aspirations and enhancing their participation in the national development process.
The performance reviewed the milestones of celebrating Omani Women's Day since 2010, including the honouring of distinguished female role models and the introduction of women's contributions across state institutions and various sectors. It also highlighted the diversity of fields covered by the accompanying events over the years, to include social work, education, culture, economics, community initiatives, voluntary work, and entrepreneurship.
Furthermore, the performance recalled the milestone honouring of Omani women in 2020 by Her Highness the Honourable Lady and the national significance it carried, reflecting appreciation for women's achievements across various fields of work and giving. It reaffirmed the importance of highlighting distinguished female role models as inspiring examples for future generations, and as testimonies to Omani women's competence and capability to bear responsibilities and contribute to development paths.
The performance addressed the key features of celebrating Omani women during subsequent years; 2023 witnessed a focus on cultural and literary fields, while the 2024 celebration centered on women's contributions to culture, literature, and poetry, as well as their role in enriching cultural life, preserving national heritage, and enhancing its presence. The 2025 celebration came under the slogan "She is Oman," reaffirming women's connection to their national identity and their contributions to the renaissance journey, while highlighting their achievements in social, professional, cultural, and economic domains.
Dr. Laila Ahmed Al Najjar, Minister of Social Development, honoured 30 Omani women working in the energy, minerals, and environment sectors, comprising 10 honourees in the energy sector, 12 honourees in the environment sector, and 8 honourees in the minerals sector, in appreciation of their efforts and contributions in vital sectors linked to economic development, sustainability, and natural resource management.
The selection of these sectors serves to emphasise the diversity of work fields in which Omani women contribute, as well as the scientific and professional qualifications, specialised expertise, and ability to keep pace with technical developments and elevate performance required by these fields. It also underscores the importance of highlighting female competencies working in vital domains and presenting their professional experiences, thereby inspiring young generations and encouraging them to participate across various development sectors.
Eng. Salim Nasser Al Aufi, Minister of Energy and Minerals, affirmed in a statement that celebrating and honoring Omani women comes in appreciation of the efforts and expertise they offer in sectors considered pillars of the national economy and tied to the future of development in the Sultanate of Oman. He added that this comes as an extension of the high attention accorded by His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik to enhancing women's status and participation in the national development process.
He noted that this recognition highlights women's presence in workplaces and leadership positions, affirming that competence and dedication are the basis for participation and excellence. He added that it also represents a message of encouragement to young women to benefit from available opportunities to contribute to these sectors and participate in building their future.
Al Aufi explained that Omani women's contributions to the energy, minerals, and environment sectors are witnessing growth and diversification, as their presence has extended from technical, engineering, and research fields to planning, policymaking, management, and leadership, reaching senior executive positions, including heading companies in the oil and gas sector and leading operational processes and strategic projects.
He added that women's presence has expanded to regional and international levels through assuming leadership responsibilities and managing specialised centres in global energy companies, contributing to developing projects, raising resource investment efficiency, and adopting solutions and innovations that keep pace with transformations in the energy sector, alongside supporting responsible practices in the minerals and environment sectors. He stressed that the coming phase affords broader opportunities to enhance women's participation in decision-making and shaping the future of these sectors.
The Ministry of Social Development continues its efforts to support Omani women and enhance their participation in national development, highlighting their contributions and achievements across various fields through initiatives and programmes that reinforce their societal and professional presence and support their role as essential partners in achieving sustainable development targets in the Sultanate of Oman.