MUSCAT, 6 April 2004 — A 32-year-old mother of five has become Oman’s first heavy vehicle driving instructor, breaking the male monopoly in a country bent on political reform.
“I couldn’t be happier,” a beaming Radhia Hamad Al-Hinai told Arab News recently.
Al-Hinai, who also enjoys the distinction of being Oman’s first female light driving instructor, acknowledged she was a little nervous while driving a heavy duty Hino truck under the watchful eyes of two police officers sitting next to her. “But I overcame the nervousness through determination — the best tool to achieve success.”
Al-Hinai, who started driving at an early age and married when she was still at school, works as a defensive driving instructor for the Occupational Training Institute (OTI). The institute is a contractor for Petroleum Development Oman and other oil companies.
“Defensive driving is an art all motorists, the young ones in particular, ought to master to avoid road accidents,” Al-Hinai said. “I think women are more careful at the wheel than men.”
What is her dream? “Given the opportunity, I will spare no effort to become a pilot. I am good at navigating routes. My track record is a testimony to this.”
Only days before, Dr. Rawya ibn Saud Al-Busaidy made history by becoming Oman’s first woman minister with the higher education portfolio. Oman also has a female ambassador — in the Netherlands.
Women are also represented in Majlis Al-Shoura, the elected lower house of Parliament, now in its fifth term, and the State Council, the upper house.
There are about six female under-secretaries in Oman. Girls are outperforming boys in school and college exams.
“We are proud of the achievements of our fellow women. This shows women are as brainy and industrious as men, if not more”, said Al-Hinai, who also remains a devoted wife and mother, bringing up four small sons and a daughter. Her husband is in the army. “I believe in time management — it helps me to honor my obligations,” she said. “Radhia is a team person, as simple as that,” said her driving instructor Jaffer Hamed Al-Naddabi, saying there are no Omani women driving heavy vehicles at present. “Radhia’s induction could mark a new beginning for Oman’s women.”
