Women in the Corporate World

Over the past few decades, women have made remarkable progress in the corporate world. They have moved beyond traditional boundaries and now hold influential leadership positions. Today, women are actively reinforcing the importance of diversity and inclusion in the workplace and contributing to the sustainable growth of organisations.

The transformational impact

Women play a pivotal role in shaping dynamic and resilient workplaces. By contributing a wide range of perspectives, they enrich decision making and problem-solving and foster stronger team collaboration and open communication. Their ability to make decisions that nurture organisational growth helps drive productivity, efficiency, and employee satisfaction. In addition, their empathy helps build a more inclusive and supportive organisational culture that values diversity and empowers individuals. Female leaders are recognised for moving towards more ethical business practices, leading initiatives that prioritise sustainability, diversity and social responsibility to reinforce the long-term success and positive impact of modern organisations.

So, it is no surprise that today, many organisations recognise that hiring women is more than just a requirement for achieving diversity and inclusion in the workplace. It can also bring about several business advantages. Studies have shown that companies with gender-diverse teams and leadership benefit from enhanced innovation, improved efficiency and stronger financial outcomes.

Women in Facilities Management

If we take Facilities Management as an example, we can see that this industry has evolved significantly from a traditional male dominated field to one that offers opportunities for women. Modern FM is shifting towards sustainability, technology integration, energy efficiency and strategic planning. And women can thrive in roles such as project management, sustainability consulting and operations leadership by leveraging their strengths in communication and multi-tasking as well as taking up roles in allied fields such as QHSE. As more women enter the FM sector, we are seeing a gradual but significant shift in workplace culture and leadership dynamics. Women leaders bring empathy, collaborative spirit and a holistic approach to management, which are essential for the people-centric nature of FM.

Omani women breaking barriers

In the Sultanate, the growing role of Omani women is clearly reflected in their steadily rising participation in economic activities. Today, more than 250,000 Omani women are formally employed, with around 49% contributing to the private sector and 42% serving in the public sector according to the National Centre for Statistics and Information. A further 9% are either self-employed, working with civil society organisations, etc. Notably, 55% of Omani women in the private sector hold mid-level or senior positions, an indicator of the growing shift towards inclusivity and balance in Oman’s workforce.

Corporate challenges

Despite their progress in corporate world, women continue to face challenges such as pay inequality, underrepresentation in executive positions and face a continuous struggle to balance professional responsibilities with their personal and family commitments not withstanding other cultural and social barriers that often limit their access to opportunities or discourage their participation in certain industries or roles. However, Omani women have consistently demonstrated remarkable resilience and determination in the face of these obstacles. They are not only breaking through traditional barriers but also leading many businesses, driving innovation and inspiring future generations.

Collective action needed

However, overcoming these challenges is not the responsibility of women alone. It requires collective action from organisations, policymakers and society as a whole to create inclusive, supportive and equal environments where women can thrive. Organisations should be encouraged to implement equitable policies and build inclusive and diverse work environment with flexible working conditions, in addition to providing targeted development programmes and mentorship opportunities for empowering female talent.  

In conclusion, organisations that prioritise inclusivity and empower women to lead and contribute are well positioned for future success.

Contributed by Samiya Al Mamari

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