ISO: OMN
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The electronic version of this document has been prepared at the Fourth
World Conference on Women by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)
in collaboration with the United Nations Fourth World Conference on Women
Secretariat.
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AS WRITTEN


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                       Excerpt from Press Release.
  The written statement was not available in a scannable language at the
                time of presentation in the conference.
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   ABDULLAH AHMED AL-GHAZALI, Advisor to the Minister of Social Affairs and
Labour on Women and Children's Affairs of Oman:  Throughout history, women
have demonstrated their ability to do positive constructive work from a
position of responsibility.  Women have ruled countries and steered their
advancement.  They have participated in parliamentary work, addressing both
domestic and foreign interests.

   Efforts made thus far in securing the rights of women have not been
adequate.  Constructive dialogue is required to shift women from the margin of
society to the mainstream.  Oman has worked to remove injustices against
women, providing every possible care to ensure their effective contribution to
society.  Oman has made great strides in the education of women.  Forty-six
per cent of college graduates in 1994-1995 were women.  Thirty-nine per cent
of graduates of the industrial college were women.  Oman has established
special centres to provide care for women during pregnancy and labour.  It has
also instituted universal immunization of children.  The greatest source of
pride for the women of Oman is their representation on the Advisory Council,
where two counsellors are women.

   Laws have been enacted to protect Omani women from inequality and
discrimination in employment.  They receive two years of maternity leave.
Special subsidies are given to divorced women and widows.  Special training is
provided in cases of disasters.