Sayyida Hujaija Al Said calls on Omani women to never underestimate their contribution

An 11-year-old girl who nervously anchored the news on Oman Television could not have foreseen that she would later become a leading figure in community service and social entrepreneurship in the sultanate. Sayyida Hujaija bint Jaifer Al Said recalls that her parents nurtured the leadership qualities she carried within her from an early age, rehearsing with her mother and drawing inspiration from her father’s motivating words.

After completing secondary school, she enrolled at the American University in Cairo, spending six years there and earning a bachelor’s degree in Economics and Psychology in 2001. She describes those years as formative in shaping her character and broadening her worldview. It was during that period that she joined the Friends in Need group, through which she began serving people with disabilities, orphans and cancer patients.

A Career Built on Service

Sayyida Hujaija is an Omani social entrepreneur and advocate for social responsibility, women’s empowerment and the inclusion of children with disabilities. Over the years she has held roles including Chairperson of the Association for Children with Disabilities, International Ambassador for Social Responsibility and Deputy Chairperson of the Omani-Bahraini Entrepreneurship Society, along with many other social and community leadership positions. Those who know her describe her as transparent, humble and a passionate servant-leader, winning genuine affection and respect. She says her leadership is rooted not in authority but in service, and not in seeking the spotlight but in creating opportunities for others.

In a conversation timed to coincide with Oman’s annual celebration of Omani Women’s Day on 17 October, Sayyida Hujaija shared her reflections on women, leadership, social responsibility, inclusion and the contribution women can make to shaping Oman’s future.

Reflections on Omani Women

Asked to describe the journey and achievements of Omani women, she said it is a story of determination, opportunity and love for the country. She paid tribute to the women who came before, whose dedication to families and communities laid the foundations for today. Under the leadership of Sultan Haitham bin Tarik, she said, Omani women look ahead with confidence and gratitude. She described the Honourable Lady Sayyida Ahad as a cherished source of inspiration and expressed pride in the achievements of Omani women while feeling a deep responsibility to help the next generation go further.

On the role of Omani women in national development, she noted that women contribute wherever the nation is being built: in education, healthcare, business and within homes. Raising a generation with strong values is itself an important contribution to Oman’s future, she said. Through her work in social initiatives, she has seen women turn compassion into action, supporting families, creating opportunities for entrepreneurs and helping persons with disabilities participate more fully in society. Their contribution is measured both in professional achievements and in the lives they improve.

When asked what meaningful empowerment of women looks like in Oman today, she said it means a woman has the education, confidence and opportunity to make decisions. It means listening to her ideas, trusting her with responsibility and giving her the support to succeed. Empowerment must also reach women in different circumstances, including women with disabilities and those who need greater access to training or employment. She deeply values the encouragement of the Sultan and the Honourable Lady, and said that encouragement is honoured by opening doors for other women and helping them walk through with confidence.

Advice for the Next Generation

Regarding the qualities and skills tomorrow’s Omani women will need, she cited knowledge and digital skills, but above all a willingness to keep learning. Leadership also requires compassion and courage, she said, adding that a successful woman should be able to listen, work with others and make thoughtful decisions.

On balancing ambition with values, identity and heritage, she said identity gives ambition direction. Oman’s faith, heritage and values teach dignity, respect, generosity and responsibility. These qualities can guide women wherever their ambitions take them. A young woman can study abroad, build a business or enter a new field while remaining deeply connected to her country and family. She encouraged young women to learn from the world and bring that knowledge home, carrying Oman’s values proudly in their work.

To young Omani women aspiring to lead, she advised starting where they are with what they can offer and not waiting for a title before beginning to serve. Volunteer, take responsibility, seek mentors and learn from experience, she said. Her own volunteering began during university and taught her how much one grows by working closely with people and understanding their needs. Be ambitious but remain humble, she added, and when you succeed, extend your hand to another woman. That is how individual success becomes a lasting contribution to society.

Looking a decade ahead, she said she hopes to see more Omani women leading businesses, contributing to research and innovation, shaping decisions and representing Oman internationally. She also hopes that more women, wherever they live and whatever their circumstances, will have the opportunity to develop their talents. Expressing deep love and gratitude for Sultan Haitham and the Honourable Lady Sayyida Ahad, she said she looks to the future with hope and wishes that their encouragement be met with dedication, excellence and service to Oman.

When asked for a final message to every young Omani woman about her potential and responsibility, Sayyida Hujaija said: “I would stress to them to never underestimate what you can contribute. Your ideas, your kindness and your determination can change lives. Develop your talents, stay true to your values and use your success to lift others. Our love for His Majesty and for Oman should be reflected in what we give, how we serve and the future we help build.”