Oman empowers women in scientific innovation

Times of Oman

11-03-2025

Muscat: The Sultanate of Oman reaffirmed its commitment to empowering women in science, technology, and human rights during its participation in the 69th session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW69) in New York, being held from 10 to 21 March 2025.
Leading Oman's delegation, Dr. Laila Ahmed Al Najjar, Minister of Social Development, emphasised the nation's dedication to creating an enabling environment that supports scientific innovation among Omani women. 'Oman is keen to provide an attractive ecosystem for women's scientific and technological advancements, strengthening their position and enabling them to achieve significant milestones regionally and internationally,' she said.
Speaking at the side event, 'Women and Technology: Inspiring Stories in the GCC Countries,' Al Najjar highlighted Oman's efforts in advancing educational and vocational infrastructure to align with labour market demands.
She pointed out that the country has developed modern facilities, including digital laboratories, to cater to technological requirements, ensuring that women are well-equipped for roles in emerging scientific fields.
Notably, she cited an increase in female enrollment rates in science and technology disciplines for the academic year 2024/2025 as a testament to these efforts.
Oman's presence at CSW69 extended to the high-level interactive dialogue with regional committees, where Al Najjar delivered a speech on the 'Muscat Declaration on Progress in Implementing the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action in the Arab Region after Thirty Years.'
She underscored that the 'Beijing Declaration' offers strategic pathways for strengthening women's rights and fostering their empowerment globally.
On the international stage, Al Najjar strongly condemned the ongoing Israeli aggression in the occupied Palestinian territories, denouncing grave violations of international law, including war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide.
She stressed the need for adherence to international resolutions and the advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) regarding the occupation's illegal status.
She also raised concerns over the humanitarian crisis in Sudan, particularly the escalating violence against women and girls. She emphasised that regional conflicts and crises lead to forced displacement, deprivation of fundamental services, and increased insecurity, disproportionately affecting women.
Oman's participation at CSW69 highlights its unwavering commitment to advocating for women's empowerment, both within the Sultanate and on the global stage, ensuring that issues impacting women remain at the forefront of international dialogue.