Manal Abdwani is the Director General Planning and Follow up at the Ministry of Commerce & industry, Sultanate of Oman. In addition, to her role in the ministry, she is also the Chairperson of Oman Flour Mills and Mazoon Electricity Distribution Company and a Board member of Electricity Holding Company.

Ranked at number twenty by Forbes Arabia amongst their selection of the top 50 Arab business women in 2008, Manal who is a member of various professional societies and charity organizations, holds a BA International Economics from American University in Paris and an MBA with distinction from Lincoln University UK (formerly the University of Lincolnshire and Humberside). In addition she has done several courses in corporate governance and other subjects, including one on Policies for Financing Private Institutions
from Harvard University, USA in 1995.

She spoke to Oman Vistas in an exclusive interview. Excerpts:

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

I would classify them as three main factors: personal attributes, professional skills, and social support. I was fortunate that my efforts through out my career were supported by my family and recognized by my senior management. As a person I am motivated by challenge and do not accept the status quo of matters. Hence, I always look at my challenges with an eye for
change, improvement or transformation. I tend to develop a sense of urgency for issues that I am dealing with. This has in turn enhanced other attributes in me such as assertiveness
and reliability.

The personal attributes have to be of course backed up by professional skills. Over my professional career I have learned to develop systematic thinking towards problems. I have as well managed to go back to theory in addressing some of my work dilemmas, by way
of higher education and continuous learning. The virtue of listening and the art of expressing are essential tools of communication that require time and training in mastering.

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

I don’t see the world as a ‘man’s world’. I see it as abundance of opportunities that are open for mankind to explore. The only person that stops one dreaming and realizing these dreams is that
person himself. Women for obvious reasons have channeled their achievements traditionally in areas more confined to domestic front. Nevertheless, those achievements are by no means
less important. Today with social and economic changes in our society, women are presenting their achievements in new fronts, on equal grounds with men based knowledge and ability.

Are there enough opportunities for
women in Oman?

I believe so. The highest concentration of women may still be in traditional professions such as teaching and nursing. But with the enhanced technology, women’s participation is increasing on
all fronts such as engineering, IT, and in being self - employed.

How do you balance your professional
life and personal life?

With great difficulty! It takes constant reminding and discipline. Many women feel additional stress when they must decide what they feel is best for their families or what is best for theircareer. It is important to decide on what constitutes your life pillars: Self, Work, Family, Friends and Society, and then one needs to go for meaningful achievements in all life pillars to create that balance. Most importantly one must enjoy each of the achievements no matter how small they are.