Muscat: Oman Shell, in partnership with Dar Al Herfya, recently concluded a transformative three-month training program designed to empower 18 skilled women artisans from the Al Dakhiliya region. This initiative focused on enhancing their technical expertise and business acumen in traditional Omani handicrafts.
The program culminated in a grand three-day public exhibition, coinciding with Omani Women’s Day, showcasing the participants’ craftsmanship and celebrating their achievements. The exhibition, alongside the graduation ceremony, marked the successful completion of the pilot phase and reinforced the program’s commitment to advancing women’s empowerment.
Dar Al Herfya’s three-month training program, hosted at the Oman Across Ages Museum, provided technical upskilling in traditional Omani arts and crafts, particularly in fabric and palm handicrafts, to a carefully selected group of unemployed women between the ages of 18 and 55. The initiative aimed to create opportunities for these women to generate sustainable income while preserving Omani heritage. As part of the initiative, participants were provided with tools, machines, and raw materials needed to continue their craft after the training. In addition, Dar Al Herfya facilitated access to six selling platforms, thereby addressing the market access challenges that low-income women in the region often face.
This program aligns with Shell’s broader objective of supporting community development and enhancing its contribution to the preservation of Oman’s cultural legacy. By empowering women and promoting sustainable business practices in the handicraft sector, the initiative serves as a testament to Shell’s commitment to fostering local talent and supporting the long-term socioeconomic development of Oman.
Zuwaina Al Rashidi, CEO of Dar Al Herfya, World of Handicrafts, commented on the program saying, “We are incredibly proud of the dedication shown by these talented women over the last three months. Their craftsmanship is a reflection of Oman’s rich culture and heritage. The Hirfah program not only equips them with the skills and tools they need to succeed, but also preserves Omani traditions and highlights the important role women play in our communities.”
Commenting on Oman Shell’s strategic partnership with Dar Al Herfya, Malak Al Shaibani, General Manager, Corporate Relations and In-Country Value, Oman Shell, said, “Over the past 3 months, 18 remarkable women from the Al Dakhiliya Governorate embarked on a journey that began with a simple thread of tradition that has now woven into a tapestry of innovation and self-reliance. Guided by Dar Al-Herfya’s vision and supported by Oman Shell, these craftswomen have honed their skills in the timeless arts of weaving and palm leaf work. At Shell, we believe true progress lies in empowering communities and preserving cultural legacies. The Hirfah program is a shining example of this belief, where tradition meets innovation, and where the hands of these talented women are shaping not just beautiful products, but also brighter futures.”
