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Times of Oman
4 days ago
- General
- Times of Oman
Dialogue session in Muscat discusses women's leadership empowerment
Muscat: A dialogue session titled "Women's Leadership Empowerment in Decision-Making Positions," was organised by the Ministry of Social Development today in Muscat. The session discussed enhancing societal awareness on the importance of women's participation in electoral councils and highlighting their role in decision-making processes. The session, which included 70 women members of the State Council, Shura Council, municipal councils, government institutions, and Omani Women's Associations, aimed to motivate female leaders to participate effectively and confidently in electoral councils. It also addressed the legal, economic, intellectual, and media enablers for women, alongside reviewing the role of civil society institutions in empowering Omani women and supporting their participation. The first session, titled "Strategies and Success Enablers," covered knowledge empowerment and capacity-building for women in leadership and strategic communication, women's empowerment in the private sector and their pioneering roles, as well as the legal and legislative frameworks supporting their participation in electoral councils and the associated challenges. The second session, titled "The Role of Civil Society Institutions and Media in Promoting Women's Participation in Electoral Councils," analyzed the experience of Omani women in the Shura Council and emphasized the role of civil society institutions and Omani Women's Associations in raising societal awareness of women's participation in the electoral process. The session also reviewed "The Parliamentary Experience in Childhood and Its Role in Leadership Empowerment." It is worth noting that the session aligns with the Ministry's efforts to strengthen women's presence and provide a supportive environment that enables them to contribute effectively to development pathways and decision-making.
Times of Oman
26-05-2025
- Sport
- Times of Oman
Meera's call: A new chapter for women in Oman Cricket
MUSCAT: Earlier this month, in a quiet yet historic moment for Omani sport, Meera Bhanushali stepped onto the field to officiate the opening game of the T20I series between Oman and Bahrain at the Oman Cricket Academy Ground in Al Amerat — becoming the first Omani woman to umpire an international cricket match. 'It didn't feel like anything special when I walked out to the middle,' Meera recalled. 'But after the game, when it sunk in that I had just become the first Omani woman to officiate at this level, it felt incredible. I'm very proud to have reached this milestone.' That pride was reinforced almost instantly. Her first major decision — a leg-before-wicket call — came at a critical juncture and proved both correct and game-shaping. 'To have your first major call stand firm gives you a huge sense of confidence,' she said. From player to umpire Meera's connection to cricket began at the age of six. Between 2010 and 2014, she represented Oman's national women's team, including an overseas tour to Kuwait. 'There weren't many facilities for girls back then. We played on matting wickets, shared kits, and had very limited exposure,' she said. But even after she stopped playing, her passion never faded. 'I couldn't walk away from the game. I love it too much.' That love turned into a new purpose in 2018, when she enrolled in her first umpiring course offered by Oman Cricket. 'It was a big switch, but it felt right. I wanted to stay involved in the game and contribute in any way I could.' In July 2024, her dedication paid off as she became the first woman from Oman to earn an ICC Level 1 umpiring certification — paving the way for her T20I debut. Over the past year, Meera has stood in nearly 45 top-tier men's matches, including A Division and Premier Division league games. 'I didn't face any gender bias,' she said. 'Oman Cricket has been incredibly supportive. The players, the officials — everyone has treated me with respect.' She credits much of her journey to the late Kanak Khimji, former chairman of Oman Cricket. 'He was the first person to encourage me when I was just a girl with a bat in hand. I owe him a lot.' She also acknowledged current chairman Pankaj Khimji, Chief Development Officer Duleep Mendis, Treasurer Alkesh Joshi, senior international umpire Rahul Asher, her umpiring colleagues and the entire Oman Cricket board. 'Their backing has meant everything. They never saw me as a female umpire — just as an umpire.' Wearing two hats Outside the boundary line, Meera works as a manager in a shipping logistics firm. 'In both jobs, decision-making is key,' she said. 'You need to assess situations quickly and fairly, often under pressure. That's something I enjoy.' Though unused to the spotlight, she embraces her role as a pioneer. 'Honestly, I'm not someone who likes the limelight. But if my story can inspire more girls in Oman to take up cricket — not just as players, but in other roles too — I'm happy.' 'There are so many more opportunities now than when I started. Girls play on turf wickets, have their own gear, better coaching and more visibility. It's heartening to see women's cricket finally getting the attention it deserves.' Meera hopes her journey will encourage others to chase their cricketing dreams. 'If you love the game and are willing to work hard, nothing can stop you. Grab the opportunities that come your way — the sky's the limit.' Cricket is a family affair. 'My mother and father are huge fans,' she smiled. 'My sister doesn't like the game at all,' she laughed, 'but she's always been supportive, along with my parents. I owe them a lot.' Looking ahead, Meera is determined to grow. 'I hope to get more international assignments and keep improving. It's a responsibility I take seriously.' From dusty practice nets to the international stage, Meera's journey is one of quiet courage and trailblazing spirit. In raising her finger, she's lifted the aspirations of a new generation of girls in Oman. Pathway to the pitch for women in Oman Oman Cricket provides perfect platform for aspiring women umpires and coaches in Oman. Interested women can start by completing online ICC modules through the EdApp platform. This foundation step is followed by in-person training sessions under the Oman Cricket system. Umpires gain real-time experience in domestic T20s, while coaches shadow senior staff in academy sessions, working directly with young cricketers. The structured pathway is designed to build knowledge, confidence, and practical skills, paving the way for advancement to higher levels within domestic and regional cricket.
Arabian Business
06-05-2025
- Business
- Arabian Business
Oman to launch camel milk cheese factory in Dhofar
Oman has announced the establishment of the first camel cheese production factory in the Wilayat of Rakhyut, Governorate of Dhofar. The step seeks to support economic development, empower rural women and enhance the value chain of dairy products. The project is being implemented by the United Nations' Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO). Oman camel cheese Being the outcome of cooperation between the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources, the project will be carried out with funding from Al Jisr charity foundation. The factory is set to start operations during the first quarter of 2026. It is envisaged to process quantities ranging from 500l to two tons of camel milk per day, with plans in place to gradually increase operational capacity to five tons by the end of the first year of operation, and later to more than 15 tons. The factory's products will include the production of fresh and semi-hard cheeses, with future plans to produce hard cheese, condensed milk, milk desserts and ice cream. In its first stage, the factory will empower 20 rural women from the Omani Women's Association in the Wilayat of Rakhyut, Dhofar Governorate. The empowered women took part in capacity-building programs and benefited from intensive workshops and training courses that honed their skills and raised their awareness about quality standards, food safety, finance, marketing and small business management. The contract signing ceremony was held under the auspices of Dr. Ahmed Nasser Al Bakri, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources for Agriculture. Dhofar Governorate is a major camel habitat in the Sultanate of Oman. Statistics of the year 2023 show that Dhofar Governorate houses approximately 177,821 camels, making Dhofar a vital centre for the camel dairy industry.
Times of Oman
06-05-2025
- Business
- Times of Oman
Contract signed to set up first camel cheese production unit in Oman
Muscat:- A contract was signed today to award a project for establishing the first camel cheese production factory in the Wilayat of Rakhyut, Governorate of Dhofar. The step seeks to support economic development, empower rural women and enhance the value chain of dairy products. The project is being implemented by the United Nations' Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). Being the outcome of cooperation between the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources, the project will be carried out with funding from Al Jisr charity foundation The factory is set to start operations during the first quarter of 2026. It is envisaged to process quantities ranging from 500 litters to two tons of camel milk per day, with plans in place to gradually increase operational capacity to 5 tons by the end of the first year of operation, and later to more than 15 tons. The factory's products will include the production of fresh and semi-hard cheeses, with future plans to produce hard cheese, condensed milk, milk desserts and ice cream. In its first stage, the factory will empower 20 rural women from the Omani Women's Association in the Wilayat of Rakhyut, Dhofar Governorate. It will enable the women's role in supporting the local food production sector, in addition to developing the production and marketing camel products. The empowered women took part in capacity-building programmes and benefited from intensive workshops and training courses that honed their skills and raised their awareness about quality standards, food safety, finance, marketing and small business management. The contract signing ceremony was held under the auspices of Dr. Ahmed Nasser Al Bakri, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources for Agriculture. It's worth noting that Dhofar Governorate is a major camel habitat in the Sultanate of Oman. Statistics of the year 2023 show that Dhofar Governorate houses approximately 177,821 camels, making Dhofar a vital centre for the camel dairy industry.
