• Home
• /
• Business

Omani businesswomen welcome new minister

His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said on Monday appointed Shaikha Aisha bint Khalfan al-Siyabi as the President of the Public Authority for Craft Industries. The 31-year old art graduate and former teacher will head the newly established organisation to promote the manufacturing of traditional handicrafts.

Amal Ahmed, a businesswoman running a small handicraft shop in Muscat, said: "The business of handicrafts has not really taken off in Oman. It is seen as the work of housewives trying to earn extra money for their families. With a woman in charge of the industry, I am sure our production will be taken seriously and get the recognition it deserves."

Shaikha Aisha will also encourage the country's women associations and instil confidence on members to be more business oriented.

Jamila Al-Hashmi, a member of Muscat Women Association, said: "She always took active interests on the activities of the associations. We expect the associations will get extra funding to promote women to get more involved in traditional business and compete with men."

Oman was the first country in the Gulf region to grant women the right to vote in the Shura Council in 1994. Two women currently serve in the 83-member council which represents 49 provinces. Four women have already been appointed as deputy ministers and the sultanate's ambassador to the Netherlands is a woman.