| CBO Commemorates Omani Women’s Day; Celebrates Increased Women Participation in the Banking Sector | <img alt="" src="https://publishing.bnet.om/SITES/ASSETS/PUBLISHINGIMAGES/GLOBAL/NEWS/WOMENDAY2020PAR.JPG" style="BORDER:0px solid;" /> | | 10/18/2020 8:00:00 PM | CBO Commemorates Omani Women’s Day; Celebrates Increased Women Participation in the Banking Sector | Jumaima Al Balushi: Women employees at 34% of CBO’s total workforce
Rania Al Zadjali: More than 41% of banking sector employees in commercial
| <p style="text-align:justify;"></p><p style="text-align:justify;"><span class="ms-rteStyle-Emphasis">Jumaima Al Balushi:</span> Women employees at 34% of CBO's total workforce </p><p style="text-align:justify;"><span class="ms-rteStyle-Emphasis">Rania Al Zadjali</span>: More than 41% of banking sector employees in commercial and specialized banks in the country happen to be Omani women, while in Islamic banks and windows, the percentage is an impressive 33 percent</p><p style="text-align:justify;"> </p><p style="text-align:justify;">Central Bank of Oman celebrated women participation and empowerment in the banking sector on the occasion of Omani Women's Day, celebrated across the Sultanate on 17th of October every year. </p><p style="text-align:justify;"><br>Speaking on the occasion, Ms. Jumaima Ali Al Balushi, Manager, Communications and Corporate Relations Department (CCRD), expressed her delight that CBO is one of the organizations in the country which has been at the forefront in according equal attention and opportunity to its female staff, because of which the women workforce is seen occupying some of the important and critical positions in the sector. </p><p style="text-align:justify;">According to the latest statistics in this regard, she said, about 40 percent of the workforce in the banking sector including, CBO, commercial, specialized and Islamic banks happen to be women employees. The strength of woman employees in CBO as a standalone entity has exceeded 34 percent of the total workforce in the organization.</p><p style="text-align:justify;"><br>Referring to Sultanate's celebration of Omani Women's Day this year, Ms. Jumaima noted that this year's celebration was unique as many women excelling in different disciplines were honored and felicitated by HM the Sultan. "His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tariq conferred the Order of Royal Commendation on a number of Omani women. Similarly, the Honorable Lady, spouse of His Majesty the Sultan, presented the Royal Orders and honored a number of distinguished and inspirational women encompassing all disciplines.</p><p style="text-align:justify;"> </p><p style="text-align:justify;">Commenting further Ms. Jumaima explained that Omani women have always received their fair share of attention, care and empowerment in CBO and accordingly were chosen for various leadership positions in the Bank. "Some of the striking examples in this regard are the appointments of Vice President of Technical Services, Vice President of Investment and Market Operations and Vice President of Internal Auditing in recent times, all of which were occupied by woman staff members in the organization," she said, adding that these were in addition to several other critical, managerial, leadership and professional positions being held by women. </p><p style="text-align:justify;"><br>Ms. Jumaima also reiterated CBO's contribution in seeking to develop and refine the skill sets of its female staff members. She noted that CBO through its various training initiatives, including several professional and specialized training programs and skill enhancement programs has contributed effectively in the professional and personal empowerment of its female staff. </p><p style="text-align:justify;"> </p><p style="text-align:justify;">According to Ms. Rania Issa Al Zadjali, Senior Banking Development Analyst from Banking Development Department at CBO, Omanisation statistics, according to data published during the first half of 2020, indicate that as many as 4,528 Omani women are working in the banking sector (commercial and specialized banks) which is 41% of the sector's overall workforce. Meanwhile, the total number of Omani women working in Islamic banks and windows happen to be 469, at 33% of the total workforce, she said.</p><p style="text-align:justify;"> </p><p style="text-align:justify;">Ms. Rania noted that Omani women have assumed these positions through their hard work and dedication and are occupying distinct roles across various disciplines in the banking sector such as holding the administrative, technical and other specialized positions. She also noted that CBO's role in enforcing Omanisation in the banking sector has led to an increased percentage of Omanisation rates exceeding 94% in commercial and specialized banks and 91% in Islamic banks and windows.</p><p style="text-align:justify;"> </p><p style="text-align:justify;">Thanks to various initiatives and directives from CBO, Ms. Rania opined the Sultanate has witnessed the surging empowerment of Omani women in the banking sector. Referring to one such directives, Ms. Rania explained that in 1994, CBO issued directives to banks mandating them to ensure specific rates of Omanisation in leadership positions, which led to the enrollment of a large number of Omani women in the banking sector. </p><p style="text-align:justify;"><br>It is noteworthy that the Central Bank of Oman is keen and committed to encourage, support and empower Omani women on par with Omani men, thereby enabling them to occupy various leadership positions in the banking sector.</p> | 0x010100C568DB52D9D0A14D9B2FDCC96666E9F2007948130EC3DB064584E219954237AF3900075E4FF44B3F64489802BE694C5C6FB701001A1EADFFD0CD66409B1A45E335F4666A | | |