MUSCAT: Despite superior education than men, participation of women in Oman’s labour market, remains low since 2015, according to the country’s Minister of Higher Education, Research and Innovation.
Addressing the Majlis Al Shura council, Her Excellency Dr. Rahma Ibrahim Al Mahrouqi said that number of higher education institutions reached 23,816 in the academic year 2019-2020 of which 60% are women.
According to the Minister, the 2019 data showed female employment rate at 8.8%, while the male employment rate was 39.5%.
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The graduate survey for 2019 showed that the female employment rate was 8.8 percent, while the male employment rate was 39.5 percent.
“We need to look at this issue and its a concern. We have a team studying this currently,” she said.
“The Omanization rate among academic staff members during the tenth five-year plan increased by 1.2%,” she informed.
Expats represent 86% of workers in private sector institutions, according to data issued by the National Center for Statistics and Information.
The Minister also highlighted the continued preference of Omani graduates for employment opportunities in the government sector.
