Oman Women’s Sports and Gender Equality Committee Joins Global Movement

The Women’s Sports and Gender Equality Committee of the Oman Olympic Committee has become the latest signatory to the Brighton plus Helsinki Declaration.

In a step reflecting the commitment of the Sultan of Oman to the growth of women and girls participation in the sports sector, upholding the principles of equal opportunity, and increasing cooperation with international institutions involved in the development of women and girls sports, the signing reflected the Committees ongoing work to develop and implement plans to grow and promote sports for women and girls at all levels structured around three primary pillars:

• Leadership and Decision Making

• High Performance Competition and Elite Athletes

• Grassroots Sport and Community Integration

The signing took place at the headquarters of the Oman Olympic Committee in coordination with the British Embassy in the Sultanate of Oman and the Ministry of Culture, Sport and Youth.

The Declaration was signed by the Committee Chair, Sayyidah Sanaa Bint Hamad Al-Busaidi and witnessed by Saada bint Salem al Ismailia, Vice Chairperson of the Committee and Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth Director of the Women’s Sports Department Khawla bint Rashid al Rawahi.

Lisa O’Keefe, Secretary General of the International Working Group (IWG) on Women and Sport, welcomed the Oman Women’s Sports and Gender Equality Committee into the global network stating:

“The addition of the Oman Women’s Sports and Gender Equality Committee to the global movement of over 700 signatories to the Brighton plus Helsinki Declaration is an important step in strengthening cooperation and sharing knowledge from the region. We look forward to sharing more of the work in Oman and its impact.”

Thomas Phipps, Charge d'affaires at the British Embassy Muscat said:

"We are delighted to see Oman sign the Brighton plus Helsinki Declaration, joining a global movement to advance opportunities for women and girls in sport. The British Embassy is proud to have supported this important step and looks forward to continuing our work with Oman to help women and girls participate and thrive in sport."