Muscat: The Sultanate of Oman, under the auspices of the Ministry of Social Development, commemorates Omani Women's Day on the 17th of October annually.
The festivities of this year, hosted at the Al Bustan Palace Hotel, were centered around the theme of "Culture, Literature, and Poetry." The event showcased the contributions of distinguished and creative women across various domains, including poetry, theatre, literature, document writing, and the preservation of national manuscripts.
His Highness Sayyid Marwan bin Turki Al Said, the Governor of Dhofar and the esteemed patron of the occasion, remarked, "This day underscores the pivotal role of Omani women within society, irrespective of their location, in the construction of a cohesive community." He further emphasized that the celebration highlighted the significant contributions of Omani women to the realms of culture, literature, and poetry, enriching these fields with their presence.
The ceremony commenced with a visual display that highlighted the pivotal role of Omani women in the cultural and literary spheres. Additionally, it announced the launch of a special publication titled "Omani Women: A 100-Year Journey of Giving," aimed at documenting the significant contributions of female talents to the Omani renaissance. This initiative also seeks to delve into the realities of Omani women and their distinctive roles across various sectors, with the aim of supporting and elevating their contributions.
The publication is designed to honor and recognize prominent and accomplished Omani women aged 19 and above who have excelled in their respective fields, including but not limited to, employment, social influencers, achievers and innovators, and recipients of local, regional, and international accolades.
This edition of the publication is structured into two distinct sections: the first delves into the contributions made by women in the preceding fifty years, while the second focuses on the era of the "Blessed Renaissance," from the reign of Sultan Qaboos bin Said – may God bless his soul – to the current era of the "Renewed Renaissance," led by His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik. The book is slated to undergo a new edition every two years, ensuring its relevance and accuracy.
Furthermore, the ceremony included the performance of the operetta "Eve of Oman," which, through five panels, portrayed the esteemed status and societal roles of women throughout history. The operetta celebrated the Omani woman as a source of honor and inspiration for the future, instilled a sense of pride and dignity in Omani women, highlighted the values of loyalty and gratitude, and showcased the art of Al-Azi.
Subsequently, the esteemed patron of the event paid tribute to the pioneering Omani women who have made significant contributions to the realms of "culture and literature," with a particular focus on "poetry, novels, theatre, and manuscripts." Among the poets receiving recognition were Badriya bint Mohammed Al Badriya, Rehab bint Harb Al Saadiya, Reem bint Redha Al Lawati, Dr. Saida bint Khater Al Farsi, Dr. Aisha bint Abdullah Al Fazari, Aisha bint Mohammed Al Saifiya, and Dr. Fatima bint Ali bin Mohammed Al Shidiya.
In the domain of novels, the event also celebrated the achievements of writers such as Amama bint Mustafa Al Lawati, Amal bint Amer Al Saadiya, Aya bint Salem Al Siyabi, Dr. Badriya bint Ibrahim Al Shehhi, Dr. Zuwaina bint Saeed Al Kalbani, Dr. Aziza bint Abdullah Al Tai'i, and Dr. Azza bint Hamoud Al Qasabi.
Furthermore, the event acknowledged the contributions of individuals in the field of theatre, including Maryam bint Hamid Al Maamari, Fakhriya bint Khamis Al Ajmi, Samira bint Khalfan Al Wahaibi, Amina bint Khadarson, and Amal bint Abdullah Bait Nuwaira.
Lastly, the event also honored Sheikha bint Nasser Al-Akhzami and Dr. Huda bint Abdulrahman Al-Zadjali for their significant contributions to the field of manuscripts.
