Continuing to empower women across Oman with its ‘Women’s Incubator’ programme, Ooredoo rounded off 2020 with over 9,991 graduates from 17 incubators over the course of the year. With the help of expert trainers, the telecoms company organised more than 88 online workshops, helping Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) find innovative solutions to navigate the challenges of the pandemic and help their businesses thrive. The programme, part of Ooredoo Goodwill, also provided 147 trainees with the skills needed to turn their talents into viable businesses, focusing on traditional crafts like sewing, perfumery, incense, pottery, bags, and leather.

Raed Mohammed Dawood, Director of Branding, Communications and Corporate Affairs at Ooredoo, said, “2020 was full of challenges for individuals, business and the world as a whole. Yet despite the conditions imposed on us by the pandemic, we were pleased to be able to hold our training programme remotely, ensuring that small business owners, especially women, could protect their livelihood. With a big thank you to the team behind Ooredoo Goodwill for their dedication and efforts, we continue to strive to help our community and support the ‘Oman Vision 2040’ strategy to boost the national economy.”

As part of an active Corporate Social Responsibility strategy, Ooredoo runs a number of award-winning initiatives. This includes the Sultanate’s first ever women’s incubator programme, which started in 2015, as well as Ooredoo’s Springboard and Spring Forward programmes, which aim to train men and women in digital entrepreneurship and leadership. By placing itself at the heart of the community, the company aims to support the advancement of the Omani people, while fostering sustainable economic and social growth.