Monday, 19 October 2026

The General Federation of Oman Workers (GFOW), in cooperation with the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC), today launched the ‘Women Trade Unionists: Leadership, Organisation and Impact’ training programme, which runs from 19 to 21 October 2026. The programme aims to strengthen the capacities of women trade union leaders and develop their skills in leadership, organising and trade union campaigning, thereby expanding women workers’ participation in trade union work and reinforcing their role in the workplace.

The programme is aimed at members of women’s committees within trade unions, women trade unionists and female GFOW staff, as well as members of the GFOW’s Committee for Non-Omani Workers and representatives of a number of relevant entities.

It seeks to develop participants’ capacities in leadership, initiative and influence; promote the exchange of knowledge and experience; and hone their skills in trade union organising, relationship-building, effective communication and constructive dialogue, thereby supporting efforts to recruit women workers into trade union work. It also focuses on enabling participants to identify labour-related and organisational issues and translate them into actionable initiatives and campaigns. In addition, it aims to strengthen the strategic use of social media to support trade union organising and raise awareness of women workers’ issues, experiences and initiatives.

In her address at the opening of the programme, Suad Al Sulaimi, Chairperson of the Women’s Committee at the GFOW, stressed that the programme was not merely an opportunity to receive training and acquire knowledge. Rather, it offered a platform for exchanging knowledge and experience, building bridges of communication among participants, and learning about international practices and experiences in trade union work, leadership and the empowerment of women workers.

Four cooperation memoranda to empower women workers

On the sidelines of the training programme, four cooperation memoranda were signed to empower women workers, support their participation in the workplace and expand their role in trade union work.

The first memorandum was signed between the GFOW and Oman Telecommunications Company (Omantel), and the second between the GFOW and the Oman Human Resources Management Association (OSHRM). The third was signed between the General Union of the Industrial Sector and Oman India Fertiliser Company (OMIFCO), while the fourth was signed between the Trade Union of OMIFCO Workers and the company’s management.

The opening ceremony also honoured the supporting entities and a number of chairwomen of women’s committees within trade unions and sectoral unions, in appreciation of their efforts, active contributions and dedication to trade union work, as well as their role in promoting women’s participation and improving the working environment.

Training modules on leadership, organising and trade union campaigning

The first day’s programme included an introduction to the ITUC’s Migrant Workers Programme (Recruitment Adviser), delivered by Zainab Abu Deeb, a trainer and consultant with the ITUC. It also featured specialised training on empowering women workers through visual content production, delivered by Imad Al Raqadi, a content creator and visual production specialist at the GFOW.

On the second day, a series of training modules will address women and trade union leadership, challenges and opportunities, communication with workers, and trade union organising skills. These modules aim to strengthen participants’ capacities to address labour-related issues and develop trade union working methods.

The programme will conclude on the third day with a module on trade union campaigning, delivered by Zainab Abu Deeb, the ITUC trainer and consultant. The module aims to enhance participants’ knowledge and skills in preparing and implementing trade union campaigns and in using available tools to support women workers’ issues and boost their participation in trade union work.

Women are steadily strengthening their engagement in trade union structures in Oman. Four members of the GFOW Board of Directors are women, and women hold 71 seats on the governing bodies of trade unions and sectoral unions. Women have also taken part in collective bargaining, with 32 women trade unionists involved. In addition, 20 women’s committees have been established within trade unions, with a total membership of 195, as at the end of December 2025.