(MENAFN- Muscat Daily) Omani women from all walks of life have expressed their happiness on the occasion of Omani Women's Day which is celebrated on October 17 every year.
Entrepreneurs academics and civil society leaders said the day is an important occasion to recognise and appreciate the role of women. They said that the day provides a chance to discuss issues concerning them.
Many of the women Muscat Daily spoke to expressed their personal gratitude to His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said for his concern and commitment to empower them.
'It [Omani Women's Day] has changed my life' said Muna al Shukairy an entrepreneur. She owns a small business called Aljoory Bukhoor which sells traditional perfumes and frankincense. 'The day shows us that we have the ability opportunity and right to do anything we want to' she said.
Some women said it was also a time to celebrate their achievements whether as ministers businesswomen or housewives. 'It's a matter of pride for all women whether they are working or not' said Noof al Muini head of the Omani Women's Association (OWA) in Muscat.
To mark the occasion OWA in cooperation with the Ministry of Social Development is organising events in the wilayat of Sur. The three-day event began on Tuesday and includes lectures and discussions in addition to occasions to honour women.
Entrepreneur Sumaiya al Ghaithi also believes in the symbolic importance of the day. She owns Taraneen Design an interior design firm. 'The day encourages women to strive harder. It shows how capable they can be.'
Beyond celebrating achievements some women said the day could be used to educate people and discuss important issues. 'Women can also raise issues concerning them with the government' said Aida al Hajri a professor of sociology at Sultan Qaboos University.
She has spent years training women and empowering them. 'It's a good chance for women to ask what their rights are. We can also use the day to make women aware about their rights.'
Maryam al Amri who owns a small company called Youth Vision for Conferences which helps organise youth events said 'There's not enough awareness or preparation to celebrate this day or a chance to bring about a change for women in the society' Maryam said.
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