Muscat University was recently honoured to host the Vice-Chancellor of The University of Oxford, UK ‘Professor Louise Richardson’. Professor Richardson inaugurated Muscat University’s Open Lecture series for this academic year by giving a thought-provoking and inspirational lecture entitled ‘Women in the 21st Century’. The topic of her talk was to coincide with the Sultanate’s celebration of Omani Women’s Day. Distinguished guests included His Excellency Mohammed bin al-Zubair , Advisor to His Majesty; the Sultan for Economic Planning Affairs; Abdulaziz bin Mohammed Al Rawas, Advisor to His Majesty the Sultan for Cultural Affairs, and Her Excellency Dr. Rawya Bint Saud Al Busaidi, The Minister of Higher Education. Also present were a number of officials from the government and private sectors, businesswomen and notable individuals from the community.
The University of Oxford’s Vice-Chancellor’s visit is in line with Muscat University’s vision to attract key international leaders, thinkers, and innovators in various academic and professional fields to enrich the experience of Omani students, those in industry and to engage with the community. Earlierin the day,Professor Richardson launched the ‘Executive Leadership Programme for Women’organized by Muscat University in partnership with Oxentia, The University of Oxford’s Global Innovation Consultancy. The three-day programme covers the key strategic areas of Leadership, Corporate Strategy, Marketing, and Entrepreneurship. This programme will help contribute to the progress and empowerment of women in the Sultanate of Oman as well as providing a platform for the sharing of knowledge, skills and ideas of women in leadership. The programme also aims to shed light on some of the challenges faced by women and how these can be overcome to ensure success at the local and international level.
Professor Yusra Mouzughi, the Vice-Chancellor of Muscat University, in her welcome remark stated:”Today we welcome the Vice-Chancellor of The University of Oxford Professor Louise Richardson. It is a pleasure and joy that this visit comes in conjunction with the Sultanate’s celebrations of Omani Women’s Day. A day in which we together review the progress achieved by women in both the Sultanate and internationally. Professor Richardson of course being an excellent role model in this regard becoming the first female Vice-Chancellor of the University of Oxford; a university which is over 900 years old. From her visit, we look forward to hearing about the experiences of women in leadership and to showcase the ability of women to manage large and world-class institutions such as the University of Oxford.