Ooredoo Transforms the lives of over 170 women With vocational training and income-generating skills

Ooredoo announced plans to organise its 2017 incubator programme in Manah following the success of similar initiatives that have inspired local communities and secured the financial inclusion of women. Developed initially as part of its annual Goodwill Journey in 2015, the incubators have now helped over 170 women learn income-generating skills, achieve economic independence, and empower them with the potential to join the Sultanate’s burgeoning entrepreneurial community. Falling under the umbrella of the company’s corporate social responsibility (CSR) objectives, the far-reching initiatives are championing socio-economic growth and long-term sustainability one community and one woman at a time.

Ooredoo’s special incubators are organised in collaboration with the Omani Women’s Association to provide women with vocational training and resources in the disciplines of Information Technology, beauty, cooking and sewing. By contributing training courses, funds, donations, in-kind contributions and proving essential equipment, Ooredoo is enabling human growth through capacity development.

Amaal Al Lawati, Ooredoo’s Chief Customer Experience Officer, said, “Women constitute half of the Sultanate’s manpower and are key to the economic growth of the nation. Only by fully harnessing our full potential, ensuring that women are empowered with opportunities, will we be able to achieve the sustainable success and long-term development goals that we have targeted. Following the wise leadership of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said, who has for decades been a direct advocate of gender equality, we are doing our utmost to help women secure gainful employment and continue making strides in every sphere of Omani society.”

To date the company has organised two entrepreneurship incubator programmes that saw significant success in Qurayat and Mussanah, with more than 100 women graduating, of which 20% started their own business. The remaining graduates went on to secure promising careers in Oman’s private and government sectors.