The shy and timid 11-year-old girl who participated in anchoring the news on Oman Television could never have imagined that destiny would repeatedly take her to the front lines of community service and leadership. She credits her mother and father for empowering and helping her unleash the leadership qualities that were within her.
She recalls rehearsing with her mother and how her father’s inspiring talks uplifted her spirit. After graduating from high school, she joined the American University in Cairo, where she spent six years and graduated in 2001 with a bachelor’s degree in Economics and Psychology. Her Highness credits those formative years with shaping her personality and broadening her outlook on life. It was also during this period that she joined the Friends in Need group, through which she began serving people with disabilities, orphans, and those afflicted with cancer.
Her Highness Sayyida Hujaija bint Jaifer Al Said is an Omani social entrepreneur, community leader, and advocate for social responsibility, women’s empowerment, and the inclusion of children with disabilities. Over the years, she has served in various roles, including Chairperson of the Association for Children with Disabilities, International Ambassador for Social Responsibility, and Deputy Chairperson of the Omani-Bahraini Entrepreneurship Society, alongside many other social and community leadership initiatives. Her transparency, humility, and passionate servant-leadership style have enabled her to win the hearts of those who know her and earn their genuine affection and respect. Behind the titles and positions is a woman whose leadership seems to be rooted not in authority, but in service; not in seeking the spotlight, but in creating opportunities for others to shine. I approached Her Highness to talk about Omani women and their role in Oman’s development. The conversation was particularly timely, as Oman celebrates Omani Women’s Day on the 17th of October each year.
Our talk led to a number of reflections and insights about women, leadership, social responsibility, inclusion, and the contribution they can make to shaping Oman’s future, as captured in the following lines:
How would you describe the journey and achievements of Omani women?
The journey of Omani women is a story of determination, opportunity and love for our country. We honor the women who came before us, whose dedication to their families and communities laid the foundations for what we see today. Under the wise leadership of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik, we look ahead with confidence and gratitude. Her Highness the Honorable Lady Sayyida Ahad is a cherished source of inspiration to us. As an Omani woman, I feel proud of our achievements and deeply responsible for helping the next generation go further.
What has been the role of Omani women in our national development?
Omani women contribute wherever our nation is being built: in education, healthcare, business and within our homes. Raising a generation with strong values is by itself an important contribution to Oman’s future. Through my work in social initiatives, I have seen women turn compassion into actions supporting families, creating opportunities for entrepreneurs and helping persons with disabilities participate more fully in society. Their contribution is measured both in professional achievements and in the lives they improve.
What does meaningful empowerment of women look like in Oman today?
To me, meaningful empowerment means a woman has the education, confidence and opportunity to make decisions. It means listening to her ideas, trusting her with responsibility and giving her the support to succeed. It must also reach women in different circumstances, including women with disabilities and those who need greater access to training or employment. I deeply value the encouragement of His Majesty and the Honorable Lady. We honor that encouragement by opening doors for other women and helping them walk through with confidence.
What qualities and skills will tomorrow’s Omani women need to succeed and lead?
They will need knowledge and digital skills. Most of all, they will need the willingness to keep learning. But leadership also requires compassion and courage. A successful woman should be able to listen, work with others and make thoughtful decisions.
How can young Omani women balance ambition with values, identity and heritage?
I believe our identity gives our ambition direction. Our faith, heritage and Omani values teach us dignity, respect, generosity and responsibility. These qualities can guide us wherever our ambitions take us. A young woman can study abroad, build a business or enter a new field while remaining deeply connected to her country and family. I would encourage her to learn from the world and bring that knowledge home, carrying Oman’s values proudly in her work.
What advice would you give to young Omani women who aspire to lead and make a difference?
Start where you are, with what you can offer. Do not wait for a title before you begin serving others. Volunteer, take responsibility, seek mentors and learn from experience. My own involvement in volunteering began during my university years, and it taught me how much we grow when we work closely with people and understand their needs. Be ambitious, but remain humble. When you succeed, extend your hand to another woman. That is how individual success becomes a lasting contribution to society.
What do you hope to see for Omani women in the next decade?
I hope to see more Omani women leading businesses, contributing to research and innovation, shaping decisions and representing Oman internationally. I also hope that more women, wherever they live and whatever their circumstances, will have the opportunity to develop their talents. With deep love and gratitude for His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik and Her Highness the Honorable Lady Sayyida Ahad, I look to the future with hope. My wish is that we respond to their encouragement through dedication, excellence and service to our beloved Oman.
Time has slipped away unnoticeably. At this point, I asked Her Highness to share one message for every young Omani woman about her potential and her responsibility toward Oman. With her characteristic optimism, she said: I would stress to them to never underestimate what you can contribute. Your ideas, your kindness and your determination can change lives. Develop your talents, stay true to your values and use your success to lift others. Our love for His Majesty and for Oman should be reflected in what we give, how we serve and the future we help build.
An Omani writer focusing on youth development and cultural issues. Can be reached through [email protected]