Women's Rights in Oman

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The change in lifestyle and Oman's development into a modern, open state naturally contributed to the fact that the established gender roles are also being reconsidered in Oman.

His Majesty Sultan Qaboos made it clear soon after taking power that he could not and would not do without the participation of women in society - including in public life - in the formation of a modern, future-proof state.

The government founded literacy centres and successfully made school education compulsory for girls. Girls and women are now making full use of their opportunity for education. At the University of Muscat, male quotas even had to be introduced at times for the allocation of study places.

Of course, there are major differences in the country depending on region and family. The most obvious difference to Western societies is certainly still a clear separation of the sexes. Women spend their free time with women, men with men.

In many places, women are still more likely to be categorised in the domestic sphere. However, the position of the married woman and mother - often of 6-8 children - within the family is very highly regarded and, accordingly, it tends to be the women who call the shots at home.

But due to the fact that many women are well educated, there are now also other concepts, so it is no longer uncommon for both spouses to work, families are being formed later and the number of children per family is decreasing. Women in Oman are founding companies, becoming police officers, top athletes, but also top diplomats.
Are you interested in the social status of women in Oman? Take part in our special trip from the capital Muscat to the Hadjar Mountains and the Wahiba/Sharquiya desert and meet women from very different professional and social backgrounds. Experience insights into the lives of women in Oman -  insights that are not possible in mixed groups. 

► Encounter trip by WOMEN for WOMEN from 16 October to 25 October 2026