The Omani Woman Association (OWA) participated this year in the 16 Days of Activism Campaign against Gender Based Violence (GBV), in order to join the call for global actions to increase awareness, galvanize advocacy efforts, and share knowledge that combat harmful practices against women and girls.  In a joint activity, which was held by UNFPA GCC and the Association titled “Orange the World: Generation Equality stands against GBV”, more than 23 members of the OWA attended to debate the law reforms introduced in Oman, which are helping to eliminate GBV and harmful practices against women and girls, the empowerment mechanisms that are adopted by the country to unleash the women potentials, and examples of local Omani women, who stood against the stereotypes and cultural norms to achieve their aspirations.

 Two prominent guests were invited to the event, and spoke to inspire the attendants in a very interactive discussion, Ms. Jamila Al Jahwari, the prize awarded journalist in Oman, and Ms. Asila Al Harasi, the Y-Peer leader and the excelled civil engineer in the country. They addressed the traditions and cultural norms they faced at early ages, being women from the region, and how they were able to overcome these hindrances and social barriers. They also pinpointed that women have to be united and support each other to tap into the available women rights and gender equality mechanisms and laws in the country, and raise awareness on the applicable regulations and laws in order to defeat the unjust practices and report on GBV cases they may detect, paving the way for further developments and reforms for women interests.