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the age of 18 years with no legal impediment in respect to his
person or business can initiate commercial trading, whether
a man or a woman.
The Civil Service Law ensures that all women working in
the government sector enjoy the same employment opportu-
nities as men. They must also be equal with men in terms of
wages, all functional benefits and vacation days. This includes
the situation of all jobs, including senior positions.
Omani labour law includes provisions to equate women
with men. The law has addressed in its provisions the term
‘worker’ regardless of gender. It also guarantees advantages
such as the right of women not to be compromised in social
functions, and respect for their nature.
The Social Security Law issued by Royal Decree 87/1984
ensures the care of women and access to a social security
salary in cases of divorce, inability to work, desertion by their
husbands, widows, unmarried daughters and elderly women.
Omani women are allowed to do business in their home
for specific activities by the provision of Ministerial Decree
4/2011, issued by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
Oman has worked to establish a number of support mecha-
nisms for women’s participation in economic life. The Al Rafd
Fund was created by Royal Decree 6/2013. It was initiated
with a capital of RO70 million to enable and support entrepre-
neurs and initiators among the young men and women under
social security, and to support jobseekers and rural women
as well as professionals and artisans of both genders. It also
funds existing projects of small and medium enterprises.
The General Authority for the Development of Small and
Medium Enterprises was established by Royal Decree 36/2013.
Its aim is to strengthen the role of small and medium enter-
prises with the ability to provide multiple job opportunities
for Omani youth of both genders.
The General Authority for Manpower Record was estab-
lished by Royal Decree 98/2011. Within the terms of reference
for its establishment is the creation of a database about the
manpower in all units of the state administration and private
sector enterprises. It is also mandated to create a database for
job-seeking citizens.
The Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Oman has allo-
cated a committee, called the Businesswomen Forum, which
focuses on the issues of women entrepreneurs and the study
of the problems and obstacles they face in the market. Other
committees were also established for women entrepreneurs
at the provincial level, and 146 women are enrolled in the
committees’ boards at the level of the Sultanate. The National
Center for Statistics and Information provides statistical data
broken down by gender for all the relevant authorities.
The National Business Centre was established in 2012
to support Omani business pioneers of both genders in the
development of successful business ventures. The centre also
supports and embraces small and medium Omani enterprises
to contribute to advancing the Omani economy and create
new jobs in the Omani market.
Women represent 41 per cent of workers in the public
sector, 47 per cent of those in the civil service, and 23 per
cent of workers in the private sector.
Looking towards the future, the Social Work Strategy of
the Ministry of Social Development (2016-2025) consists of
six main themes: social protection, social welfare, family and
community development, persons with disabilities, associa-
tions and institutions, and institutional support. The strategy
is based on the three guiding principles of equity, empower-
ment and social inclusion. Its six strategic pillars are focused
on gender and the institutionalization and integration of
women in social, economic and political issues.
The National Strategy for Women in Oman (2016-2040), with
the theme ‘to enhance the quality of life’, includes strategy on
several elements: the rule of law, decision-making, knowledge,
enabling environment, civil society, community cohesion, busi-
ness and finance. Women represent 85 per cent of the members
of the committee participating in the preparation strategy.
Women occupy decision-making positions in Oman’s political, economic,
social and cultural rights spheres
Omani women participate in international conferences and foreign seminars
Image: Ministry of Social Development, Oman
Image: Ministry of Social Development, Oman
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