BankMuscat supports Women in Business conference- BankMuscat, the leading financial services provider in the Sultanate, has once again extended support to the annual Women in Business conference to be held under the auspices of HH Sayyida Aliya bint Thuwaini al Said on April 25 and 26. Organised by Envent, the theme of 2010 Women in Business conference is 'Changing the Face of Business: Women as an Economic Force'.
The conference will bring together key business professionals from a variety of businesses, industries and students to explore current critical business, economic, political and social issues. Sulaiman al Harthy, Group DGM — Consumer Banking, said: “BankMuscat’s support to women development programmes go hand-in-hand with the progressive policies pursued by the government. The bank acknowledges that the development of Oman significantly hinges on the role played by women and that they need to be provided the required support to realise their full potential.”
Salma al Hashmi, Chief Executive Officer of Envent, said: “We are glad to be associated with BankMuscat which has maintained a generous level of support to the conference over the years. We are very happy to have them on board once again.” BankMuscat’s sponsorship goes well beyond the duration of the two day conference. The bank has committed support to a programme of workshops across the Sultanate aimed at developing the skills of women entrepreneurs. The workshops will run from May until the International Women’s Day on October 17.
In 2009, BankMuscat introduced the Business Incubator programme benefiting Omani women, including housewives from low-income and middle- class families. The project facilitates an in-house work environment conducive to projects which are difficult to start elsewhere. The Business Incubator projects include handicrafts, photography and beauty services.
With women comprising a major customer segment, BankMuscat offers unique products and services targeted at them. The Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) department of the bank supports training programmes aimed at skill development of women, especially businesswomen across all SME sectors. Reflecting the national commitment to create an environment conducive for women empowerment, BankMuscat offers key support to women development programmes. Presently, 41 per cent of the bank employees are women holding key positions in various departments.