Transcript Discovering versus Covering

Unconscious Powerlessness
Female perceptions and realities in Oman
NYU Wagner
Abu Dhabi
Asya Al Lamki - Oman Cultural
Division, Washington DC
Gender Studies in the Arab World
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Progress yet bleak essence
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Lingering attitudes
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Voiceless representation
NYU Wagner
Abu Dhabi
Asya Al Lamki - Oman Cultural
Division, Washington DC
Tapping Women’s Voices
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Why do women work?
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Are they motivated to work?
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Do they feel discriminated or marginalized?
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What do they perceive as obstacles towards their
advancement in organizations?
NYU Wagner
Abu Dhabi
Asya Al Lamki - Oman Cultural
Division, Washington DC
Professional Women Self Accounts
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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
NYU Wagner
Abu Dhabi
Asya Al Lamki - Oman Cultural
Division, Washington DC
Challenges…
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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
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)
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?
NYU Wagner
Abu Dhabi
Asya Al Lamki - Oman Cultural
Division, Washington DC
Thoughtful Reflection
How long will you stare at the shell?
Look inside, and pick out the pearl
Jalaluddin Rumi
NYU Wagner
Abu Dhabi
Asya Al Lamki - Oman Cultural
Division, Washington DC