MUSCAT : Calling for a collective shift towards embracing vulnerability, emotional honesty, and inner resilience, she urged the audience to look past titles and achievements and honour the true source of a woman’s strength.

Speaking to a full audience of women leaders, change-makers, and rising voices from across Oman, Her Highness Dr. Basma challenged conventional notions of strength and success.

“I want to talk about the hidden crown — the one that does not sparkle,” she began. “Not the titles, not the achievements. I want to talk about YOU. Being a woman, a mother, a leader. Being able to be here even though maybe you are going through a lot — that is the crown we don’t talk about,” she stated.
Her Highness Dr. Basma urged attendees to look inward and reflect on their emotional well-being, describing mental health as the true foundation of strength.

“When there’s an earthquake, we see the land shake — but let’s talk about the tremors… Sometimes, when we shift our focus inward, we begin to see what truly needs healing. The peace within us is more important than anything else,” she said.

In a society where women are often expected to remain resilient at all times, Dr. Basma emphasised that expressing vulnerability is a form of strength, not weakness.

“We are brought up to believe we must always be strong… Is it not okay to cry? By the way, saying ‘I’m not feeling well tonight’ — that’s the greatest strength of all. Believing you have the right to say, ‘It’s not okay’ — that is an achievement,” Her Highness added.

Her message culminated in a call to action, inviting women to honour not just outward accomplishments, but also the quiet resilience that often goes unseen.

“For today’s sake, and for October 17th — Omani Women’s Day — let’s go one level deeper. Or even two or three. The unseen crown is the strongest of all,” she concluded, offering congratulations to all honourees and attendees.

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