Oman is in a fairly good position on a global gender equality forum, but there is always room for improvement, maintains Najwa Mansoor Al Kindi, Executive Director of Shell Intilaaqah, suggesting more opportunities to help women play a stronger role in the development of the economy. According to Najwa Al Kindi, what is essential is a voice to speak one’s mind without the fear of judgment is crucial.
A mother of three daughters, with a strong background in the health sector and an ongoing commitment to support Omani youth through social investment project under Shell Intilaaqah, Najwa Al Kindi is vocal about her drive and ambition to contribute towards projects that have development of Omani economy at its core. Having started her career in nutrition, she has moved several paces – from catering to patient service improvement to quality management – to take on the mantle of Shell Intilaaqah. During her 11-year stint in the health-care sector she took on several leadership responsibilities that helped her understand how to interact positively and successfully in difficult situations and with diverse segments of people/stakeholders.
According to her, Oman is way ahead in ‘better gender balance’, the theme propounded by International Women’s Day for 2019. She attributes this status quo to His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said’s farsighted leadership, who entrusted women with strong roles that have enabled them to contribute positively to the development of the country. “This indicates that our leadership believes and support women in Oman. We have today women occupying posts of ministers and various governmental heads…” she notes.
His Majesty’s wisdom, leadership and developmental achievements have also proven to be a major inspiration in her career goals. She also lists every member of her family for motivating her individually and collectively in her quest to reach higher rungs of the career ladder. However, she is quick to point out that she truly believes that everyone is partially responsible for his/her destiny. “We either set blockades or use those challenges to build a ladder to success. We can only know our greatest potential if we ‘believe’ in them. The mind is a very powerful organ; your thoughts can dictate how you move forward in your life,” Najwa counsels.
And a successful woman, she notes, is one who possesses real passion, determination, perseverance and confidence to reach for her potentials and do the best she can to achieve success. Having said that though, what is important – in this quest to excel in ones career – is an understanding of the different roles a woman is called on to play in her life, she states. “They are mothers and wives and caregivers… So, keeping that in mind, while assessing a woman’s success graph, would enable her to manage her professional roles better. Additionally, I think every senior job opportunity should be equally open for both the genders,” she suggests.
This also calls for early introduction to the topic of empowerment for little girls. “We should coach them to think responsibly about their actions and apprise them on how it affects the world, its people, nature and so on. Giving them a voice to speak their minds and their opinions without the fear of judgment is crucial. Providing them with responsibilities that will help them build the confidence they need when they grow up is essential,” states Najwa Al Kindi.
On the issue of gender equality, she says she believes there are two genders for a reason. “We complement each other. Women and men think differently, but if combined – as per research – it will result in very powerful strategising, as there are components that each gender by nature focuses on. However, mutual respect and acknowledgment of the undeniable capabilities and contributions of both genders is what is called for,” adds Najwa.
For women seeking motivation to excel, she suggests the following guidelines:
- Never say or think you cannot achieve your aspirations
- Never set blocks
- Always plan to achieve and visualise your end success scenario
- It could take some time, but with determination and perseverance you will achieve
- Always seek to learn from more experienced individuals
- Stay positive and success will be yours
* Najwa Mansoor Al Kindi holds a Bachelor degree in Nutrition and Food Technology from the Jordan University of Science and Technology and an MBA from Strathclyde University.