Lujaina Mohsin Darwish started her career as a lecturer in Sultan Qaboos University (SQU) after which she moved over to her father’s company MHD LLC, in the Human Resources, Omanisation & Training (HROT) Department. Over the years she has gradually moved up the corporate ladder and currently designated as the Joint Deputy Managing Director- HRO (Human Resources & Omanisation). Along with her role at MHD LLC she has also been member of the Majlis Al Shura for two subsequent terms and member of the board of Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OCCI).

Excerpts from an exclusive interview she gave Oman Vistas:

What are the factors you think are responsible in helping you to reach the position you are in today?

Oman has traditionally been a conservative nation and women have preferred to stay at home or behind the scenes in the corporate world too for a long time. But things are very different now and women are now emerging as a power to reckon with in the Omani business houses.

Following the accession of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos Bin Said in 1970, education has been made available to all Omani women under a programme of continuous and rapid expansion, the most important of which was the opening of the co-educational Sultan Qaboos University in 1986.

I think this forward looking vision of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said has really motivated not only me but a large number of Omani women to move ahead both in the private as well as the government sector.

How does it feel to be an achiever in a man’s world?

Initially, I did find it difficult occasionally to get my viewpoint across, as you do come across a lot of resistance from your male counterparts. But, later I proved that even the women are equally capable of delivering the goods. This success gave me the confidence to stand for the Majlis Al Shura elections and I proved myself there also through two subsequent terms in office.

Are there enough opportunities for women in Oman?

The availability of education (from primary to tertiary) for women has undoubtedly played a crucial role towards the emancipation of Omani women. Omani women are represented in all employment sectors, be it government, private or their own business. Furthermore, the Sultanate of Oman has catapulted women to unprecedented heights by appointing them to senior political positions in Oman’s Council and ministries. This reflects His Majesty’s trust and confidence in women’s ability to manage and execute senior government positions. Consequently, the representation of Omani women is thirteen per cent in the ranks of senior government positions that even surpasses Western standards.

How do you balance your professional life and personal life?

Well I do have to juggle between the two sometimes, but good time management skills and a strong backup team in my office helps me to plan out my day and iron out the occasional hiccups.

What is your advice to women who aspire for top positions in life?

I would like the Omani women to come forward and be a force to reckon with in the modern Omani society. They are being given all the opportunity in the colleges/ professional training institutes to pick up a skill of their choice. They should take full advantage of these opportunities and make a name for themselves not only in Oman but across the world.