What causes the big gap between what women achieve in education and how many work in Oman? This issue is important for Oman’s future economy and society. It’s complex and touches many lives.
In Oman, something puzzling stands out. More than half of the university students are women. But only 29% of them are in the workforce, falling behind other Gulf states1. This big difference makes us think about discrimination at work and the specific hurdles women meet in jobs.
It gets more interesting. Guess what? Women are 42% of the people working for the government in Oman1. This tells us there’s a lot to understand about where and how women work in Oman.
We will look deeper into the reasons behind these gaps. From tradition to government policies, we’ll cover it all. And we’ll check what it means for Oman against the world, where 64.9% of the gender work gap has closed2.
Key Takeaways
- Women make up over 50% of university students in Oman
- Women’s labor force participation rate in Oman is 29%
- 42% of Oman’s public sector workforce is female
- Global labor-force participation gender gap closure is at 64.9%
- Oman lags behind other Gulf Arab states in women’s workforce participation
Introduction to Gender Inequality in Oman’s Workforce
Oman is moving towards more gender equality in jobs, yet it still faces difficulties. It has a high 0.816 Human Development Index and a 0.3 Gender Inequality Index, which is better than its neighbors3. But the situation is more detailed when we look closely.
Women in Oman are doing very well in school and at universities. They are more than 50% of the students and 57% of them go to university4. But, they are not equally joining the workforce. Oman’s women employment rate is at 29%, which is lower than in other Gulf countries where it’s between 31% and 57%4.
There are not many women in top positions at the government. Less than 30% of these senior positions are filled by women. This issue shows that we need to mix up who is in charge and support women to go further in public and private jobs.
Jobs in Oman might not always be fair for women. They deal with difficulties like strong traditions, family expectations, and certain job rules4. Things are even harder in rural places, where both culture and money matters can stop women from working4.
Still, there is good news. More women are working in the government; they make up 42% of these jobs. And they are leading in fields like healthcare, teaching, and social work4. What’s more, there are more female business owners than male ones. This shows women are quite enterprising4.
Even with these improvements, Oman’s path to true job equality for women is not done yet.
Historical Context of Women’s Rights in Oman
Oman’s push for women’s rights has been amazing. In just 50 years, it shifted from old ways to new, valuing equality in its growth5.
Sultan Qaboos’ Initiatives for Women’s Empowerment
Sultan Qaboos bin Said was key in improving women’s rights in Oman. His efforts focused on better chances for women in jobs, politics, schools, and societal roles5. Since 1970, female school attendance climbed to 49% by 2007 because of his push6. Today, almost half of women over 25 have secondary education degrees thanks to this effort6.
Establishment of Women’s Organizations
In Oman, women’s groups have made a big difference. They fight for women’s rights and help each other. Now, 30% of the workforce is female, up from 17% in 20006. Women also hold important roles in government jobs, like in higher education and social development6.
Key Legal Advances for Women’s Rights
Oman is also making laws that support women. In 2006, it joined a global treaty on women’s rights, the CEDAW7. The country’s Basic Law ensures everyone is treated fairly, with no gender bias7. Jobs must give fair treatment to pregnant women, and pay should be the same for the same work7.
Yet, more work is needed. Oman allows women to marry non-citizens but faces hurdles in passing citizenship to their kids. There’s no law specifically against domestic violence either7. Omani women’s groups are leading the charge for more equality, striving to overcome these obstacles675.
Gender Disparity Statistics in Employment in Oman
The job market in Oman shows big differences between men and women. Globally, nearly 47% of the workforce are women, but more than 72% are men. This makes a 25% gap8. In Oman, this gender gap is even wider, with fewer women working compared to men.
By June 2022, 6.1% of women in Oman were looking for work. This number was much lower for men, at 0.9%8. Places like Musandam saw a big challenge, with 27.4% of women not able to find work. Yet, in Muscat, only 2.4% of women were in this situation8. These numbers show the struggle in making Oman’s workforce fair for both genders.
Female job seekers in Oman face similar issues to those in Northern Africa and Arab States. There, more than 20% of women can’t find a job8. This problem fits into a wider global trend. We’ve only closed about 65% of the gap worldwide in how many women and men work2.
The reasons behind these differences are complex. In richer countries, some women may not work because of certain beliefs. But in poorer nations, many women work because they need to help support their families8.
It’s very important for Oman to work on these issues. Boosting women’s roles in the workforce and making workplaces more diverse are key. This helps Oman’s economy grow and move forward as a more fair society.
Women’s Educational Attainment in Oman
Oman has made great progress in educating women over the last 50 years. The country’s effort to boost women’s education shows in its high stats and global rankings.
Literacy Rates and Higher Education Enrollment
The growth in women’s education in Oman is amazing. In 1970, 85% of women could not read. By 2020, this number dropped to only 5.2%. It’s a big win for Oman1. It shows how hard the country has worked to give women a better chance at education.
Enrollment in higher education also hits the high notes. Women in Oman made up more than half of university students in 2020. They were at 57% in all colleges and universities1. This is as good as countries like Qatar and the UAE.
Comparison with Other Gulf Arab States
Oman shines when compared to its neighbors in women’s education. It scores 95% in the Global Gender Gap’s Educational Attainment, showing huge steps towards gender equality in education3. This places Oman well in the Gulf Arab region.
| Indicator | Oman | Gulf Arab States Average |
|---|---|---|
| Women in Higher Education | 57% | 60% |
| Literacy Rate (2020) | 94.8% | 93% |
| Educational Attainment Subindex | 95% | 92% |
Even though Oman has come far in educating its women, getting them to work is tough. Only 29% of women in the country work. This is less than in other Gulf states, where women’s labor ranges from 31% to 57%1. Oman needs to work on this to keep moving forward in gender equality.
Labor Force Participation Rates by Gender
The Omani workforce faces a big gender gap in jobs. Many other countries see more women working than in Oman. This shows how important it is to help women get more jobs.
In Oman, the difference between men and women working is clear. Only 30% of women work, much less than men3. This is common in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), where few women work, hitting a low of 29% in 20209.
Oman is trying hard to get more women to work. It does better than some neighbors, but not as well as others in the Gulf. Still, there is progress to make more room for women in jobs.
Many things make it hard for women to work in Oman. Laws and rights are key issues keeping women from jobs in MENA more than elsewhere9. Changing laws could really help close the gender gap in work.
To get more women working in Oman, changes in law are needed. Making work, pay, and leave fair for women is key. This could help more women find jobs9.
Sectoral Distribution of Female Employment
In Oman, more women are working in different jobs. A bit over 23% of women work in Oman, showing things are getting better10.
Women in the Public Sector
In the public sector, Omani women have seen big changes. More of them work for the government now. This means more jobs that are secure and ways to move up. It also shows that society is changing to value what women want to achieve10.
Female Representation in Service Industries
Women in Oman do well in jobs like teaching, healthcare, and helping others. This is seen across this part of the world. These jobs are often easier for women to start with10.
Women Entrepreneurs in Oman
Many women in Oman are starting their own businesses. They face many challenges but are succeeding. This is helping the country’s economy grow and making these women stronger10.
In Oman, more places of work are including different kinds of people. But, there’s still a big difference between the number of men and women working. This difference is 23%, showing there is more to do10.
Oman stands out in its efforts in the area. For example, nearly half of working people are. They also make up half of all university students. This is a sign of solid growth in education and jobs11.
| Sector | Female Representation | Key Trends |
|---|---|---|
| Public Sector | High | Stable employment, career growth opportunities |
| Service Industries | Dominant | Education, healthcare, social services |
| Entrepreneurship | Growing | Diverse industries, economic contribution |
We can see improvements, but more work is needed. It’s important to keep pushing for better opportunities for women in the workforce and as business owners.
Barriers to Women’s Workforce Participation
In Oman, women face big challenges getting jobs. This makes it hard for them to advance in their careers. Only about 15% of women in Oman work, much lower than 39% worldwide12. Gender diversity programs in the country’s workplaces are desperately needed.
Many factors hold Omani women back from working. Society’s conservative views play a big part. Women are often pushed to marry and have children first. Also, the job market is not friendly to mothers who work12. All these things lead to fewer women working, with Oman ranking low on global gender equality12.
However, women in Oman excel in education and starting their own businesses. They do better than men in STEM degrees and entrepreneurship12. This shows that Omani women have the skills and will to work. The real issue is the barriers they face in society and the job market.
Oman should now aim to have more women in leadership roles. This includes fields where women are few, like fishing and manufacturing. Training women in technical jobs and getting men to support them can help close the gap12. Changing society’s view of women and work will be key. This way, Oman can boost its economic growth and support better lives for women.
Rural vs. Urban Employment Opportunities for Women
In Oman, the job scene is very different in the countryside and the cities, especially for women. Women in the cities have seen big changes since 1970. They’ve gone far in education and work. Now, many women in cities have made their own career paths and achieved high roles13.
Cultural and Economic Barriers in Rural Areas
But, rural women have it tough getting into work. Cultural ideas and lack of money hold them back. The idea that women belong at home is still strong in the countryside. Even though, in the cities, more women work and go to school than before13.
So, it’s harder for rural women to find jobs. They lack ways to get around, child care, and chances to work. These issues make it clear: there’s a big job gap between cities and countryside in Oman.
Access to Resources and Support
Getting needed resources is hard for rural women in Oman. They find it tough to kickstart a business. They don’t have enough money, tech, or training. This lack of help makes the job gap between cities and the countryside even wider.
Helping rural women in Oman is key to fixing these issues. Things like microloans, training, and better roads can do a lot. They can help all women in Oman, no matter where they live, find better work. This way, women’s true skills can shine everywhere in Oman131415.
Legal Framework and Gender Discrimination
Oman’s laws are vital for gender fairness. The nation is working hard to stop gender bias. We will look at Oman’s laws that protect women’s rights.
CEDAW Ratification and Reservations
In 2005, Oman joined the Convention on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW)16. This showed its dedication to boost women’s rights. Then, in 2019, Oman dropped a part of its reservation to CEDAW, getting more in line with global norms16.
Nationality and Personal Status Laws
A law from 2014 in Oman says men and women are equal in getting citizenship16. This was a good step in dealing with gender inequality in laws. But, there are still issues with marriage, divorce, and what women inherit.
| Area | Progress | Challenges |
|---|---|---|
| CEDAW | Ratified in 2005 | Some reservations remain |
| Nationality Laws | Equality affirmed in 2014 | Problems with putting this into practice |
| Personal Status Laws | Some changes started | Women still face bias in marriage, divorce, inheritance |
Oman has bettered its laws, yet gaps still exist in fighting gender bias. While the citizenship laws are stronger, issues in personal status laws linger. Efforts should keep pushing to follow CEDAW fully and make sure women’s rights are protected.
Women’s Political Participation and Representation
Oman has been slowly increasing women’s role in politics. In 1994, they allowed women to vote and run for office, a big step forward. However, women are still not well represented in Oman’s political world.
Women in the Shura Council
The Shura Council in Oman doesn’t have many women. Since 2003, only about 2.4% of its seats have been held by women17. In 2019, only two women won seats out of 86. This put Oman near the bottom in terms of female representation in parliaments17.
Oman tried to make things better by using an electronic election system in 2019 at the Shura Council17. This was meant to make the voting process more accurate and fair.
Female Ministers and Decision-Making Roles
There has been some improvement in women’s ministerial roles in Oman. By August 2020, three women were part of the cabinet, making up 13% of the members17. This is better than before, especially since 2004 when the first female minister began.
But, there are still areas where women are few, like in the judiciary. Oman doesn’t have any women judges, as found by the United Nations ESCWA17. Women are also not often in key leadership positions in various areas.
Studies show that the more people know about politics, the fairer they tend to be about women’s roles18. Those educated in political science tend to be less biased, according to the research18.
Oman lags behind other Middle Eastern nations in women’s rights. While places like Tunisia and Sudan have more than 30% female representation in their national governments, Oman has less than 5%19.
These facts point to the ongoing need to support women in government in Oman. More work is needed from the ground up to leadership levels. Removing obstacles and having fair policies can help Oman get to a place of equal gender representation in politics.
Tribal Influence on Women’s Employment and Political Engagement
In Oman, tribes greatly affect how much women can work and get involved in politics. The strong tribal system sets cultural rules and expectations. This makes it tougher for women to find jobs or take part in politics.
Despite this, women in Oman are working more. Now, 42 percent of those working for the government are women. Plus, they make up most of the craftspeople and are top in starting businesses1. This shows how women are joining different jobs even with the challenges.
But when it comes to politics, it’s harder for women. In 2019, only two women made it into the Shura Council out of 86 members. This proves that women are not getting enough chances in politics1.
A survey done in Oman found that many men don’t support women in politics18. This shows the strong cultural walls against women in politics, from tribal traditions.
But here’s something hopeful: people who know more about politics are more open to women joining in18. This means that educating people about politics could help. It might change how the public sees women in politics and overcome tribal rules that limit them.
| Aspect | Impact of Tribal Influence | Potential Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Employment | Cultural norms limit career choices | Promote women’s entrepreneurship |
| Political Engagement | Low representation in decision-making roles | Increase political education and awareness |
| Public Perception | Gender bias against women’s empowerment | Challenge traditional tribal views through education |
Comparison of Oman’s Gender Equality Metrics with Other Gulf States
In the Gulf States, Oman is both moving ahead and facing challenges in gender equality. As per the Global Gender Gap Index, Oman scores 61%. This puts it in the middle when comparing to its neighbors. It does better than some but less than others10.
Global Gender Gap Index Rankings
Oman’s 61% score in the Global Gender Gap Index is better than Yemen’s 49% but lower than the United Arab Emirates’ 72%. It shows Oman is making progress, just like other Gulf States, at different speeds10. These rankings reflect the unique challenges and successes each country faces.
Economic Participation and Opportunity Subindex
Looking at economic opportunities, Oman scores 48%. This is similar to other Gulf countries’ scores, which range from 23% to 54%. The numbers signal the ongoing push for better chances for women in the workforce and leadership roles10.
Oman is working towards better gender equality but there’s still more to do. Scores show improvement but also highlight the remaining challenges. More efforts are needed to close the gender gap and enhance women’s roles in Oman and the Gulf area20.
References:
- The Role of Women in Oman’s Social and Economic Progress – https://arabcenterdc.org/resource/the-role-of-women-in-omans-social-and-economic-progress/
- Global Gender Gap Report 2023 – https://www.weforum.org/publications/global-gender-gap-report-2023/in-full/benchmarking-gender-gaps-2023/
- Country Snapshot | UN Women Data Hub – https://data.unwomen.org/arab-states/country/oman
- The Role of Women in Oman’s Social and Economic Progress – https://arabcenterdc.org/resource/the-role-of-women-in-omans-social-and-economic-progress
- Gender Politics in Oman: Between State, Sect, and Tribe – https://www.mei.edu/publications/gender-politics-oman-between-state-sect-and-tribe
- Women in Oman – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Women_in_Oman
- PDF – https://www.undp.org/sites/g/files/zskgke326/files/migration/arabstates/Oman.Summary.19.Eng.pdf
- Gender gap in employment: What’s holding women back? – Muscat Daily – https://www.muscatdaily.com/2022/08/23/gender-gap-in-employment-whats-holding-women-back-in-oman/
- No title found – https://www.elibrary.imf.org/view/book/9798400200038/CH005.xml
- The balance between work and family among Omani female workers: experiences and challenges – https://www.qscience.com/content/journals/10.5339/difi.2023.2?crawler=true
- The Status of Women’s Rights in the Middle East • Stimson Center – https://www.stimson.org/2024/the-status-of-womens-rights-in-the-middle-east/
- Women are integral to Oman vision: now to bring them in – https://www.agbi.com/opinion/employment/2023/12/rumaitha-al-busaidi-oman-women-workforce/
- PDF – https://www.arcjournals.org/pdfs/ijhsse/v5-i10/10.pdf
- Explaining the MENA Paradox: Rising Educational Attainment, Yet Stagnant Female Labor Force Participation – https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8345317/
- PDF – https://www.oecd-ilibrary.org/women-at-work-and-in-society-the-state-of-play_456fed82-en.pdf?itemId=/content/component/456fed82-en&mimeType=pdf
- PDF – https://www.unwomen.org/sites/default/files/Headquarters/Attachments/Sections/CSW/64/National-reviews/Oman_En.pdf
- Public Policy Representation: Increasing Women’s Political Representation in Oman – https://www.atalayar.com/en/opinion/fatma-tawfik/public-policy-representation-increasing-womens-political-representation-oman/20230313165634181613.html
- Political Empowerment of Women and the Mediating Role of Political Awareness:The Case of Oman – https://vc.bridgew.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=2716&context=jiws
- Women’s Political Participation in the Middle East – https://hal.science/hal-03921293/document
- Through the Eye of the Needle: Lessons in Women’s Empowerment and Public Policy from the Arab Gulf – https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-981-99-6006-4_7
