Monday 25 / August / 2025
Muscat: The second edition of The Origin - Women Forum & Awards 2025, organised by Gulf Leaders Circle and Muscat Media Group, celebrated the leadership, innovation and impact of women from Oman and across the world.
The event brought together more than 180 influential women leaders, achievers and professionals from over 15 nationalities including Oman, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Japan, India, the United States, Canada, Brunei, the Philippines, Bangladesh, Pakistan, the Netherlands and Greece.
Her Highness Sayyida Basma Al Said, Founder of Whispers of Serenity Clinic and Head of the Not Alone Mental Health Awareness Campaign, and chief guest at the event, delivered the first keynote address. Her moving speech highlighted the many roles women play and the factors that contribute to building resilience. “We are planners, we are innovators, we are educators,” she said. She cautioned that it is easy for women to experience burnout in the pursuit of perfection, and emphasised the importance of building strong networks of supportive women. “Having forums like this, where we uplift and cheer for one another, is what truly helps us build resilience.”
Her Excellency Lujaina Mohsin Darwish, Chairperson of Mohsin Haider Darwish (ITICS) and Honorary Consul of South Africa to Oman, spoke on the importance of inclusive leadership in business and governance. “Women must dare to dream and push boundaries,” she said.
“Throughout my journey, from academia to the corporate world and later into politics, I have learned that while norms may exist, the responsibility lies with us to challenge them and carve out our own place.”
Shatha Salim Al Maskiry, Founder of Lahunna, spoke about mentorship, purpose-driven leadership, and initiatives such as SIDRAH, Rialy and Wijdan. “Women do not need empowerment from external sources. We have been empowered for a long time,” she affirmed.
“What we need is to leverage our relationships, strengthen our networks, and be unapologetic about our success.”
Her message echoed the forum’s core theme of resilience and leadership, highlighting how women can shape communities and institutions by standing in their power.
A powerful panel discussion, titled “Women Leading Transformation and Innovation” brought together key women leaders across fields to delve into topics such as organization culture, finding a foothold in male-dominated environments, fostering innovation-friendly workplaces and growing into leadership roles as women. It was followed by a series of talks by women achievers on the topic: “Breaking the Glass Ceiling – Inspiring Journeys Creating Lasting Impact”.
The highlight of the event was The Origin Awards 2025, where 25 honorees were recognized across categories for their contributions to leadership, innovation, sustainability and empowerment.
The event was supported by Lincoln, Oman American Business Council, Al Madina Group, Europcar, Al Tasnim, Honor, Bake’in, Squad Up, Lahunna and Hun’na. The media partners included Times of Oman, Shabiba and Hounna magazine. The event partner was Manzana. It was held at St. Regis Al Mouj Muscat Resort.
