Thursday 16 / October / 2025
Muscat: The Sultanate of Oman observes Omani Women's Day on 17 October with this year's theme "She is Oman" highlighting women's integral role in national development. The annual commemoration recognises women's achievements across all sectors and reinforces institutional support for gender equality and female advancement.
The 2025 theme embodies Oman's recognition of women's contributions to national identity and social fabric. "This designation reflects women's fundamental partnership in building Oman's present and future," stated Dr. Laila Ahmed Al Najjar, Minister of Social Development. "Omani women represent a cornerstone of national development, benefiting from both royal support and their own demonstrated capabilities."
Oman's legal framework has systematically advanced women's rights through constitutional guarantees of equality and progressive legislation. Recent reforms include extended maternity leave provisions aligned with international standards, comprehensive social protection coverage, and streamlined administrative procedures such as independent passport issuance. The Ministry of Social Development's Social Work Strategy (2016-2025) establishes evidence-based policies promoting women's development through human rights-based approaches.
The ministry implements targeted programmes across multiple domains, including leadership development initiatives like the "Tasmu" programme that has trained 50 female leaders from government, private sector, and civil society organisations. Economic empowerment efforts through the "Tamkeen" programme have supported 202 women entrepreneurs with training, financing, and business development opportunities. Digital inclusion projects include the "Wiki Omani Women" initiative documenting 100 notable Omani women's biographies on global platforms.
A network of 68 women's associations across Oman's governorates engages 13,570 members in skills development and community programs. The ministry provides technical and administrative support to ensure programme sustainability and partnership development with public and private institutions.
International representation forms another strategic priority, with Omani women holding significant positions including membership in the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child (2023-2026), UNICEF Executive Board (2024-2026), and Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (2025-2028). Omani professionals also occupy leadership roles in UNESCO, the Arab Women Organisation, and Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation.
Specialised programmes address diverse population segments, including the Female Inmate Empowerment Programme (2020-2025) focusing on rehabilitation and social reintegration through vocational training and post-release support systems.
The annual observance reinforces institutional commitment to women's advancement while inspiring future generations through recognition of women's achievements in family, professional, and public spheres. The coordinated approach across government entities demonstrates Oman's comprehensive strategy for gender equality and women's empowerment as fundamental components of national development.
