Women in Working Life
Between Tradition and Progress: The Change in Women's Employment in Oman
Between Tradition and Progress: The Change in Women's Employment in Oman
There is a quote by Sultan Qaboos, in which he says: 'Uneducated women cannot raise free children, and neglected women can never properly care for others. If women are not trained for their roles, they can contribute nothing to the progress of this country.'
This shows that in Oman, women are viewed in a completely different light than in most other Arab or Islamic countries. A merit of the Sultan, who has gradually opened the country for Western values and views over the past almost five decades, without betraying the identity and beliefs of his country. He merely pointed out that women also play an important role in Islam and that it works better when they are treated as partners at eye level and not condescended to.
Women in Oman - more successful than in other Arab countries
The Sultanate on the Gulf of Oman, which is as large as Germany in terms of area, occupies a unique position in the Arab world. For example, in countries like the United Arab Emirates, where the outwardly promoted openness only applies to foreigners, women still have a very hard time.
In contrast, much has changed in Oman in recent decades. Here, for instance, women run their own businesses or hold various positions in the public service. Even a ministerial position has already been held by a woman. The development in Oman encourages the entire Arab world, as it shows that in an Islamic country, extreme gender inequality does not always have to prevail.
Progress is evident
Of course, the number of women in the aforementioned areas of employment is still lower than, for example, in Germany. For instance, in the public service, there are still almost two men for every woman. However, there are various images that complete the impression of Oman: Women confidently sitting behind the wheel of their vehicles, eating together with their male colleagues in the company canteen, or going alone to cafes and enjoying the day. Even though traditional clothing from Eastern societies still shapes the streetscape – progress is more evident in Oman than anywhere else in the Arab world.
Discover Oman with experts who have called it their home
Your dream holiday, tailor-made by experts.
We don't just know Oman from books, we visit the country several times a year to experience the culture, landscape and people first-hand.
From your first enquiry to your return home, we are there for you personally - by phone, email or WhatsApp, whenever you need us. Our trips are as unique as you are: individually planned and provided with exclusive privileges and high-quality arrangements that will make your trip unforgettable.
Experts for your Oman trip
You might also like this
Railway in Oman
There are currently hardly any train connections in Oman. There is only a small railway line that is about 500 meters long and connects Nizwa the visitors of the Al Hotta Cave from the ticket office to the entrance of the cave. However, the expansion of the railway network in Oman is being planned. The infrastructure is growing The railway is the last major infrastructure project that is to be tackled in Oman. The expansion of the roads, the ports and the pipelines has long been completed and has helped the country to experience a previously unknown upswing. Now, the establishment of a rail...
Nizwa Fort
The Fort of Nizwa is definitely one of the most remarkable sights of the small town. The tower of the fort can be seen from afar. With a diameter of 45 meters and a height of 35 meters, it is not only the largest structure of the oasis of Nizwa, which it far surpasses, but it is also the mightiest tower in all of Oman. Similar to other castle and fortifications in the area, this tower was built under Sultan bin Saif bin Malik al-Ya´aruba in the mid-17th century. The construction of this impressive fortification took around twelve years. The residential complexes of the fort are significantly o...
UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Oman
Oman is not only famous for its breathtaking landscapes and warm hospitality but also for its rich history and impressive cultural treasures. Five unique sites in the country have been designated UNESCO World Heritage Sites, each telling a fascinating story that dates back thousands of years. From majestic fortresses to ancient irrigation systems, Oman offers an incredible variety of sites that transport travelers back to distant times. Let’s explore these extraordinary places and discover what makes them so special....