Oman: A conflict between two parties
Oman, Politics, 6/25/1999

Oman's chairman of the State Council, Sheikh Hamoud al-Harithi, has denied limiting the role played by the Shoura Council since the establishment of the State Council in 1996. He added that he backs public elections through direct voting "at the proper time and gradually."

In a statement to the London-based al-Hayat daily, he said that there is no limit to the role played by women, who take part in decision making.

He continued, "There are no political parties in Oman, but there is a standing conflict between parties." He said that the "party of the females is strongly advancing all work positions," while "the party of males" is receding due to the "superiority in the achievements of the Omani women."

He warned men in Oman against the consequences of laziness because the woman is taking her due role in all ministries, establishments, and areas of production and "is scoring superior positions."

Worth mentioning that the state's constituent in Oman which was released on October 6, 1996 stated not to discriminate between citizens because of their gender. Omani women now have four seats at the State Council (ten percent), and two out of 82 in the Shoura Council, and they have the main employment posts in banks and hospitals (60%).

In the sector of education, women in Oman have more (40%) of positions.

Omani women are also recruited for the police and the army.

For the first time a Sultan's decree was enacted provides for appointing a woman as member in the board of the chamber of trade and industry. This woman is Omani businesswoman Aseela Bint Zaher al-Harithi.

Omani women won the majority of university seats, but the state intervened and had the enrolment percentage equal between males and females.

Previous Stories:
  Oman not to mediate between Syria and Israel   (6/24/1999)
  Oman voices full solidarity with UAE over the three islands   (6/10/1999)
  Oman: a global pacesetter in human development   (10/23/1997)

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