On March 8, 2026, International Women’s Day, an event celebrating the role of women in Oman’s technology sector was held to highlight their contributions and promote greater visibility within the industry. The “Yes, Women Can Do IT” gathering brought together female leaders from various fields, including government, telecommunications, banking, education, startups, and technology companies, to share experiences, discuss challenges, and inspire the next generation of women professionals.
The initiative originated from a conversation between Anum Kamran and Balqees al Hassani, key figures in the Knowledge Oman and Tech Oman communities. They were motivated by a striking statistic: 91% of IT job seekers in Oman are women. This revelation prompted questions about why women’s achievements in technology remain relatively unseen despite their growing participation.
Organizers observed that, while women are actively involved in conferences and panels, many of their stories—leading projects, developing innovative solutions, and directing teams—have not reached a wider audience. The event aimed not only to recognize these accomplishments but also to create a platform for celebrating achievement, fostering collaboration, and strengthening the nation’s technology ecosystem by making women’s contributions more prominent.
The inaugural Women Leading Technology event featured 12 panelists and moderators who engaged in discussions that explored both professional journeys and the systemic challenges women face in the tech sector. Attendees included professionals, executives, entrepreneurs, academics, and innovators. The program also incorporated AI-powered performances and an awards segment honoring outstanding women in technology. The initiative received backing from over a dozen organizations committed to advancing women’s participation in the industry.
Proponents of the event emphasize the importance of focusing specifically on women in technology due to technology’s pervasive influence across sectors such as healthcare, education, finance, communication, and government. They argue that when women contribute to designing technological solutions, it leads to broader perspectives and more inclusive innovation. Research supports the notion that diverse teams produce more effective results, as they bring varied viewpoints to complex problems.
Moreover, advocates stress the significance of visible female role models in technology to encourage young girls to pursue similar career paths. By witnessing women in leadership roles within cybersecurity, artificial intelligence development, startup creation, and national digital initiatives, younger generations gain tangible examples that such achievements are attainable.
The event reflects growing efforts within Oman to acknowledge and amplify women’s roles in shaping the country’s digital future, conveying a unified message that women’s participation is essential to the progress and dynamism of the technology sector.