A Conversation Worth Having

On November 6th the Oman Observer published an article by columnist Ali Al Matani. In the article the author discusses female efforts in the recent Ash’shura Council elections. The article is critical of women. The fact that it is published in the national paper raises concerns about our efforts to increase gender diversity and economic equity of women in Oman. 

The author suggests that, although, women are “equal to men in terms of their ratio in population of the Sultanate of Oman” and women are “given” full rights to participate in the election, there were only two women elected to the legislative council. According to the author, this is an example of women being “enemies of themselves”. As a solution to the lack of representation, he suggested that this issue must be addressed “within associations which are taking care of women and their development”. The author blames the outcome of underrepresentation entirely on women and their efforts and assumes that outcome is solely due to their choices. As if the only people that should be voting for women are women themselves. The author absolves himself and every male from any responsibility. 

I do agree with the author when he says “This is a very important aspect which must be studied. This is the responsibility of the society to look within”. Our society also includes me, you, and every male in Oman. We must ask ourselves how we can assist in building a more equitable and inclusive society. The equality in rules exists in Oman, articles like the one published by Oman Observer indicate that we have a lot more to do to increase awareness about access to opportunity and patriarchy. 

Our society benefits from increased gender diversity, it is our role, for both men and women, to facilitate and ask how we can level the playing field? We have to be critical of the language we use to describe women led campaigns. Are we evaluating women differently than we evaluate men? I consider the two best run campaigns during this past election to have been led by women. Yet, women and men did not vote from them.  

Moving Forward

What are we, as a community, doing to increase gender representation and reduce patriarchy? We can celebrate efforts and acknowledge that women have revitalized the election process. We can acknowledge that we need women in our legislative process. We can express that we welcome the dialogue and want to hear the voices and opinions of women. We can promise that we are working together, and we are conscious that, even when we do not intend to, we are biased. Encourage your daughters to speak up, empower them to be leaders, speak of them highly and as equals. Remind our young men that women are equal and capable of being anything they choose to be.

This is an incomplete list that I’m sharing with you to start the dialogue on ways to increase gender diversity and build an inclusive society.

1.    Challenge the stereotypes- The discussion of equality starts at the household and should be part of our education system and curriculum. We should have discussion about it in the workforce. If you are a manager or in an administrative position encourage dialogue about diversity in your workspace. 

2.    Raise awareness of the importance of diversity- Diverse teams are more productive, more creative, and more innovative. Businesses that welcome diversity have better market outcomes (Harvard Business Review 2019). 

3.    Share the data- Provide data about gender diversity across organizations and institutions. Increasing awareness will encourage us to consider this measure in the future actions. While I disagree with Oman Observer article’s tone, it does raise awareness of the numbers. 

4.    Encourage participation- we can signal our commitment by inviting women to apply for roles/jobs or to participate in the discussion. In the context of this article, I would love to hear from Omani women on their views on gender diversity and how to increase representation. If we are to find ways to increase representation, we would benefit from hearing as many diverse thoughts and experiences. 

5.    Acknowledge implicit bias- It is hard to admit that we are all guilty of implicit bias. Do not get offended if someone points out your biases, implicit bias means you aren’t conscious of it. Admit your lack of awareness and be open to discussion and seek ways to identify other biases. 

6.    Highlight role models- On October 17th of every year Oman celebrates Omani Women’s day. Muscat Daily had a great article highlighting selected women that are influencing change in Oman. There are many more that are doing great work. 

7.    Commit to being inclusive. 

To develop policy and innovative solutions to Oman’s economic outlook we need to increase gender diversity in every aspect of our society. Let’s start by opening doors. How will you influence change? Is there anything else you would add to the list above?

Follow me on Twitter @DrAAlBahrani and subscribe below to receive email updates of future articles.