MUSCAT -- A dramatic increase is seen in the number of Omani women working in the public and private sectors, as well as a growing trend in women students opting for private school education and seeking higher education. A recent study by the National Centre for Statistics and Information (NCSI) reveals that over the 9-year period from 2003 to 2012, and with 2013 numbers being finalised, the number of Omani women working in the public sector, which includes civil service, Diwan of Royal court, Royal Court Affairs and public corporations rose from 29,218 in 2003 to 68,200 in 2012. During the same period, the number of women working in the private sector trebled, with 35,248 women registered with the Public Authority for Social Insurance compared to 13,385 in 2003.
According to the NCSI figures, the number of Omani women holding top management, middle management and direct management positions in the public sector witnessed a healthy 50 per cent growth since 2008, with a total of 774 Omani women holding senior public service positions against the 2008 total of 510 women. At the end of 2012, women account for 10 per cent of all senior public sector roles. The figures highlight the increasing emphasis placed by the government on providing opportunities for talented Omani women to play a greater role in the public and private sectors as the economy continues to diversify and grow.
The study also reveals a growing trend among young Omani women to choose private schooling, and to pursue higher studies. According to the study, the number of Omani girls enrolled in private schools has almost doubled since the 2008/9 school year, with the total number of Omani girls enrolled in private schools rising to 32,434 in 2012/13 school year, against the 08/09 total of 17,218. During the same period, the number of Omani girls enrolled in higher educational institutions rose by 20 per cent, with 51,048 Omani girls enrolling in the 2011/12 school year against the 2007/8 total of 41,533.
© Oman Daily Observer 2014
