Women and Social Innovation in Oman: A Case Study of Possibilities and Challenges

Abstract

Despite social innovation’s rising profile worldwide as a response to complex social and economic challenges, there is a lack of literature that examines its operation in Gulf societies and how women participate in and influence social innovation activities geared towards meeting social needs and advancing developmental objectives. This study, therefore, seeks to explore social innovation activities and initiatives among women in Oman and how they are challenged. To accomplish this, an exploratory qualitative methodological approach was adopted, which included document analysis and reflexive thematic analysis. Public documents, organizational materials, publications, and media content were reviewed to explore initiatives associated with social innovation activities among women in Oman from 2015 to 2025. This study’s analysis combined descriptive and thematic analysis, guided by a theoretical framework derived from Postcolonial Feminist Theory, Women and Development framework. The results reveal that women-led social innovation in Oman is expressed in various forms, such as government-led initiatives, corporate social responsibility initiatives, social enterprises, and community-based initiatives. The initiatives have provided women with opportunities in areas such as skill development, entrepreneurship, and online engagement. However, it was noted that women’s empowerment is primarily expressed in the form of capacity building rather than structural change. The level of participation is variable in association with educational levels, location, and access to institutional support mechanisms. An implicit theme of cultural and economic development was identified in the initiatives, closely associated with Oman Vision 2040. The study may contribute to the existing literature by providing a structured approach to women-led social innovation activities in Oman and by emphasizing the diversity of inclusion in innovation systems for various categories of women. The study is significant for the discourse on structural change as a key driver of women’s empowerment in Oman and similar contexts.

Date of Award	2026
Original language	American English
Awarding Institution	HBKU College of Humanities and Social Science