WOMEN'S ASSOCIATION PLEADS FOR MEPI PROGRAMS

UNCLAS MUSCAT 000682

SIPDIS

SENSITIVE

DEPT FOR NEA/ARPI (TROBERTS),NEA/PI(LSHULTZ)
ABU DHABI FOR MEPI (HWECHSEL)

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: SOCI KMPI KWMN SCUL PGOV ELAB MU MEPI
SUBJECT: WOMEN'S ASSOCIATION PLEADS FOR MEPI PROGRAMS


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Summary
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1. (SBU) The provincial head of an Omani Women's Association
chapter in Salalah is hungry for greater MEPI engagement that
might better train the women of that region for jobs in a
modern, diverse environment. Highlighting the cultural
differences between Dhofari women and those in Muscat, she
identified cross-cultural awareness as being on par with
English language and computer skills among the traits most
lacking within the female workforce. Leading employers in
the region share her assessment. End summary.

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Salalah Women Need MEPI
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2. (SBU) Noor al-Ghassani (protect),President of the Omani
Women's Association (OWA) chapter in Salalah, told PolOff on
April 17 that she is desperate for any MEPI programming in
her region, particularly in the areas of computer literacy,
English language, presentation skills, and
business/accounting basics. Al-Ghassani highlighted the
cultural and educational differences between Salalah and
Muscat when considering developing programs for women of
Oman's southern Dhofar region. She stressed the lack of
higher education and English language skills as obstacles to
both MEPI programming and women's employment in Salalah.


3. (SBU) In addition to the lack of basic skills development
such as computer literacy, al-Ghassani suggested that
significant cultural differences continue to hamper the
promotion and success of women in the workforce. In addition
to needed business skills, al-Ghassani reported that
providing fundamental cross-cultural training and workplace
orientation to acclimatize women to a diverse, international
business community is of equal importance. At least one
Omani businessman concurred, going so far as to say that his
company will not hire women who continue to wear the
traditional full-face covering so common in the Dhofar
region. He believes that the covering prohibits effective
communication and prevents most women from promotion to
higher ranks within companies. (Note: Another major employer
in the region said that it has had to relocate a woman
employee, twice, from a secretarial position where she was
the only lady in the office. The employer has re-advertised
the position, for the third time, and will now only hire a
male secretary. End note.)

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Seeking Ways to Help
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4. (SBU) In an effort to promote more engagement with the OWA
Salalah chapter, the Embassy will endeavor, whenever
possible, to include participants from there in future Muscat
events, and possibly to tailor future MEPI programs
specifically for Salalah's needs. Al-Ghassani said greater
involvement with MEPI would help identify qualified women
from the local business community interested in networking
with women from Muscat. She said there is no shortage of
rising stars in the region, only a shortage of opportunities.
BALTIMORE