1. NYU Wagner Abu Dhabi Asya Al Lamki - Oman Cultural Division, Washington DC Unconscious Powerlessness Female perceptions and realities in Oman

2. NYU Wagner Abu Dhabi Asya Al Lamki - Oman Cultural Division, Washington DC Gender Studies in the Arab World Progress yet bleak essence Lingering attitudes Voiceless representation

3. NYU Wagner Abu Dhabi Asya Al Lamki - Oman Cultural Division, Washington DC Tapping Women’s Voices Why do women work? Are they motivated to work? Do they feel discriminated or marginalized? What do they perceive as obstacles towards their advancement in organizations?

4. NYU Wagner Abu Dhabi Asya Al Lamki - Oman Cultural Division, Washington DC Professional Women Self Accounts Highly motivated to achieve We have equal opportunities to men We are rewarded equally Management supports our growth and respects our views Male bosses are supportive Empowerment of women by the highest authority and by law

5. NYU Wagner Abu Dhabi Asya Al Lamki - Oman Cultural Division, Washington DC Challenges… Underrepresented in management and leadership positions Higher rates of unemployment Lower earnings compared to males Four times the male illiteracy rates Confront discriminatory social attitudes Low participation in entrepreneurial activities and decision making bodies

6. NYU Wagner Abu Dhabi Asya Al Lamki - Oman Cultural Division, Washington DC The Gender Discord I don’t think that women managers are discriminated and not given their share of appreciation and responsibility. We have been given all the opportunities to grow and move ahead in our country and our place of work (Oman Economic Review, 2005, p.35)

7. NYU Wagner Abu Dhabi Asya Al Lamki - Oman Cultural Division, Washington DC Questions to ponder Should international reports be analyzed as constructed texts that reflect specific social, historical and cultural modalities of their authors? Universality of research approach - need a culturally sensitive approach Should we assume internal coherence among women and cultural distance between men & women? How have women in leadership roles in other societies balanced between collective demands and individual needs?

8. NYU Wagner Abu Dhabi Asya Al Lamki - Oman Cultural Division, Washington DC How long will you stare at the shell? Look inside, and pick out the pearl Jalaluddin Rumi Thoughtful Reflection