Washington D.C.:The Sultan Qaboos Cultural Center (SQCC), in collaboration with the Embassy of the Sultanate of Oman and partners, hosted a special celebration of Omani Women's Day under the theme 'Women Lead Leadership, Work and Innovation.' The event aimed to honor the achievements of Omani women and their contributions to various fields.
According to Oman News Agency, the celebration brought together ambassadors, diplomats, representatives from the U.S. Department of State, think tank experts, university professors, journalists, and women leaders. The focus was on recognizing the role of Omani women in diplomacy, leadership, innovation, and economic development.
Halima Al Balushi from the SQCC opened the event, followed by remarks from Counselor Sabra Al Hooti, Deputy Chief of Mission at the Embassy of the Sultanate of Oman, who highlighted the pivotal role of Omani women in the nation's development. Contributions from Merissa Khurma of the AMENA Foundation and Emma Sanderson of the Women's Foreign Policy Group (WFPG) emphasized the importance of women's leadership and international collaboration.
The event featured two panel discussions. The first, moderated by Merissa Khurma, focused on 'Women's Leadership in Diplomacy' and included insights from former ambassadors Hunaina Al Mughairy and Greta C. Holtz. Discussions revolved around women's roles in international relations and mentorship.
The second panel, 'Women, Innovation and the Future of Work in the MENA Region,' also moderated by Khurma, involved experts such as Counselor Farah Al Raisi and Hiba Abdulkhaliq, among others. They discussed the impact of digital advancements on women's roles in education and the economy, and the significance of inclusive policies.
A special tribute was paid to the late Nadhira Al Harthy, honoring her inspiring contributions. The event highlighted Oman's commitment to women's empowerment under Oman Vision 2040, focusing on education and innovation.
The celebration underscored the role of cultural diplomacy and international partnerships in creating opportunities for women and strengthening ties between Oman and the United States. Through such initiatives, the Sultan Qaboos Cultural Center continues to promote cultural understanding and dialogue.
