Women's Issues: Sultan of Oman promises women an equal opportunity to play a productive role in society

The Sultan of Oman has pledged that women will be given an equal opportunity to play a productive role in society.

In a speech given to the general conference of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO),Qaboos bin Saeed said: "We have endorsed the Sultanate of Oman's membership of the convention for the elimination of all types of discrimination against women".

Since the 1970s, Oman has been one of the more progressive states in the Gulf region in the area of women's rights. The Ministry of Social Affairs, Labor, and Vocational Training is responsible for women issues at the governmental level and supports women's affairs by funding and supporting the Oman Women's Association (OWA) and grassroots women organizations.