15-03-2025
Oman leads women's empowerment at UN CSW
Represented by the Ministry of Social Development, the Sultanate of Oman continues its active participation in the 69th session of the UN Commission on the Status of Women (CSW69), currently being held in New York. The session, which runs from March 10 to 21, 2025, focuses on 'Reviewing and Appraising the Implementation of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action' 30 years after its endorsement.
Dr Laila bint Ahmed al Najjar, Minister of Social Development, who leads Oman's delegation, reaffirmed the nation's strong commitment to the Beijing Declaration since its inception in 1995. She highlighted Oman's strategic efforts in implementing the 12 fundamental areas of the Declaration, with a core emphasis on achieving gender equality.
Dr Laila noted that Oman has made significant strides in advancing women's education, with a 97.7 per cent female enrollment rate in 2024 and a 66 per cent participation rate in higher education in 2023. Additionally, female graduates in scientific fields have reached 50 per cent.
Health indicators also reflect progress, with female life expectancy at birth remaining stable at approximately 79 years from 2019 to 2023.
On the economic front, the minister underscored the growing role of Omani women in the workforce, with their participation rising to 34.9 per cent in 2023.
As part of its engagement at CSW69, Oman, in collaboration with the Arab League, hosted a side event titled 'Arab Women: Innovation in the Era of the Industrial Revolution.' The event underscored Oman's dedication to global initiatives supporting women's empowerment and was held in alignment with the 'Muscat as the Capital of Arab Women for 2024' programme.
Dr Laila met with Soraya Mouloudji, Algeria's Minister
Oman's participation also featured a visual presentation showcasing the nation's legislative advancements, statistical insights on women's progress and success stories of Omani women excelling in innovation.
On the sidelines of CSW69, Dr Laila met with Soraya Mouloudji, Algeria's Minister of National Solidarity, Family and Women's Issues, at the Sultanate of Oman's Permanent Mission to the UN. The discussion centred on enhancing bilateral cooperation in areas concerning family welfare, women, the elderly and persons with disabilities.
Additionally, Dr Laila held talks with Buthaina bint Ali Al Jabr al Nuaimi, Qatar's Minister of Social Development and Family, to explore joint initiatives in family, women's and children's affairs, along with key issues on the CSW agenda.
These engagements reinforce Oman's proactive stance in shaping global discourse on gender equality and women's empowerment. — ONA
