Muscat: Oman Women’s Sports Committee, Oman Olympic Committee (OOC)’s Sub- Committee, signed the Brighton Plus Helsinki 2014 Declaration on Women and Sport last Thursday, reaffirming the Sultanate of Oman’s commitment to promoting women’s participation in sport, advancing the principles of equal opportunity, and expanding cooperation with international organisations dedicated to the development of women’s sport.
The signing coincided with the celebration of Omani Women’s Day, observed annually on 17 October, underscoring the importance of Omani women’s contributions across various sectors, including sport.
The signing ceremony was held virtually from the headquarters of OOC, in coordination with the British Embassy in the Sultanate of Oman and in cooperation with the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth and the International Working Group on Women and Sport (IWG).
The initiative was also endorsed by OOC Board of Directors and forms part of ongoing efforts to strengthen Oman’s engagement in international initiatives supporting women’s sport.
Representing Oman Women’s Sports Committee at the ceremony were Sayyidah Sanaa bint Hamad Al Busaidi, Chairperson, and Saada bint Salem Al Ismaili, Vice Chairperson.
The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth was represented by Ms. Khawla bint Rashid Al Rawahi, Director of the Women’s Sports Department, while Ms. Lisa O’Keefe, Secretary General of IWG, represented the International Working Group on Women and Sport.
The Brighton Plus Helsinki 2014 Declaration provides an international framework for advancing gender equality in sport, ensuring appropriate opportunities for women and girls to participate in all areas of sport, strengthening women’s representation in leadership and decision-making positions, and developing institutional policies and practices that promote equal opportunities in sports participation, administration and achievement.
The Declaration sets out ten key principles covering equity and equality in society and sport; sports facilities; school sport and junior sport; the development of sports participation; high-performance sport and sporting achievement; leadership in sport and decision-making; education, training and development; sports information and research; resources and support; and national and international cooperation.
These principles provide guidance for sports organisations in developing their programmes and policies and fostering a more inclusive and equitable sporting environment.
The signing marks an important step towards strengthening cooperation with the IWG, exchanging expertise and best practices in the development of women’s sport, drawing on international experience to broaden women’s participation in sport, and expanding opportunities for women in coaching, competition and sports leadership.
This initiative aligns with OOC broad efforts to strengthen women’s presence across the sports system and develop initiatives that support their participation at all levels, in line with national priorities aimed at developing the sports sector and advancing women’s sport in the Sultanate of Oman.