Allocating additional seats for women mark Shura march progress

Muscat: Specialists in the Shura (public consultation) system in the Sultanate of Oman have affirmed that the Royal directive to allocate an additional seat for Omani women in the Shura Council in each governorate constitutes a step forward in the Omani Shura march.

The Royal gesture, they observed, reflects the wise vision of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik to consolidate community engagement in public affairs and contributes to the nation building process.

Dr. Aisha bint Said Al Ghabshi, Member of the State Council, valued the Royal directive issued by His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik to allocate an additional seat for women in each governorate (a total of 11 seats that will be added to the general seats available for competition). “This is an indication of the attention that the Sultanate of Oman, led by His Majesty the Sultan, values the status of women and appreciates women’s role in the nation building process,” she said.

Dr. Aisha added that Royal directive embodies an acknowledgment of women’s knowledge, expertise and wisdom that qualify them to participate in decision-making. The move empowers female competencies and contributes to enhancing the role of women in various spheres of development, she noted.

For his part, Abdullah bin Al Walid Al Hinai, Member of the Shura Council representing the Wilayat of Bahla, said, “The Royal orders of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik to allocate an additional seat for women in each governorate is in pursuance of the Royal approach supporting Omani women as key partners in shaping the future and devising national policies. This opens up wider scopes for female talents to contribute to serving the nation and achieving its aspirations.”