MUSCAT: Dr. Laila bint Ahmed Al Najjar, Minister of Social Development and Chairperson of the Committee, presided over an important meeting at the National Centre for Autism. In her opening address, Dr. Laila emphasized Oman’s unwavering commitment to empowering women across various sectors, recognizing the vital role women play in the country’s ongoing development. She highlighted the significant progress Omani women have achieved in recent years, noting that their contributions continue to shape various sectors such as education, healthcare, politics, and business. Dr. Laila also commended the efforts of the Committee members, who have worked tirelessly to advance women’s rights and empowerment within the framework of Oman’s national development goals.
The discussions during the meeting focused on several pivotal topics, including a review of the Muscat Declaration and the progress made since the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action three decades ago. The Committee evaluated the current status of women’s empowerment in Oman and examined key areas where further improvement is needed. The participants also explored aligning Oman’s national indicators with international benchmarks, which would better integrate women into comprehensive development strategies and ensure their legal empowerment in all spheres of society. This alignment is seen as an essential step in strengthening gender equality and promoting a more inclusive society.
One of the central themes of the meeting was the necessity to focus on empowering women legally and politically, ensuring that they have equal opportunities to participate in the decision-making processes at all levels. Dr. Laila stressed that women’s legal rights must be safeguarded and that they should be afforded the same opportunities as men in all areas of public and private life. The Committee agreed that initiatives to promote women’s participation in leadership and political roles are crucial for fostering greater social and economic equality in the country.
Furthermore, Dr. Laila encouraged a collective effort to maintain and accelerate the progress made in women’s empowerment, emphasizing that the journey is far from over. She called for increased collaboration between governmental bodies, non-governmental organizations, and the private sector to provide the resources, training, and opportunities that will enable Omani women to reach their full potential. The meeting concluded with a renewed commitment to advancing the rights and opportunities of Omani women and ensuring they remain a central part of the nation’s development moving forward. This effort aligns with Oman’s long-term vision of building a prosperous, inclusive society where all citizens, regardless of gender, have the opportunity to contribute to the country’s continued growth and success.
