Oman- TEDx Muscat: Reflections, experiences, perspectives and more

(MENAFN- Muscat Daily) Muscat- Ten inspiring women speakers from different countries and different walks of life shared their thoughts at the first ever TEDx Muscat Women event at Sheraton Oman Hotel on Saturday. Each speaker's speech reflected on global and social issues leaving the audience captivated, motivated. As many as 300 people attended the event.

Held under the theme, 'Building Bridges', the goal of the forum was to help people connect in an environment that boosts exchange of views and dialogues on a wide range of issues. The first speaker at the conference was H H Sayyida Basma al Said, founder of the Whispers of Serenity Clinic in Oman. She spoke about mindfulness and the importance of 'living in the moment, living memories rather than saving them in devices'.

She urged that mindfulness be practised and not ignored. While some of the other talks revolved around personal struggles, a few speakers also asked the audience to think of the reality and hardships faced by the refugees.

One of the first Kuwaiti women hoteliers, Lana al Rasheed spoke about her activities in charitable organisations. She spoke about the power of giving, the power of transforming lives of those staying in refugee camps by providing built houses.

Dalal al Darwish from Oman spoke about an experience that changed her life completely. She said how despite being successful she was unhappy, and so, she gave up her career to embark on a journey of giving and growth through volunteering for the EU Refugee Crisis. This path taught her community building and supporting and she got a new definition of human connections.

Dr Rohini Rau, India's top woman sailor, a successful doctor, a TED fellow for life put on her clown nose and spoke about the innovative concept of 'Medical Clowning' programme started by The Little Theatre, Chennai. She actively does sessions at the government children's hospital once a week and wants to promote the concept in other Asian countries.

Some of the other talks at the event were though more light-hearted but centered around personal struggles, achievements and perceptions of women in the society.

A successful graphic designer, Samiha al Shibani also from Oman spoke on how she is perceived due to her disease. Businesswoman, Shaikha Noora al Khalifa shared her experiences on how to be a better version of oneself.

Nisreen Jaffer, an economic consultant spoke about her journey from being the first female petroleum engineer in Oman. From shifting her career as an economic consultant and her role as a wife, mother and a grandmother, Nisreen gave the audience a host of issues to dwell on.

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