Omani auto technician hails Suhail Bahwan Auto’s support to women
MUSCAT: While the automotive industry has traditionally been more male-dominated, Suhail Bahwan Automobiles (SBA) has been working hard to support, empower and encourage its women workforce to achieve their goals.
Jokha Al Harthi, an Omani woman auto technician who also plays the role of service adviser, attributes her success to SBA’s commitment to recruiting, training, retaining and encouraging women like her to fulfil their professional goals and aspirations.
A mechatronics engineering graduate, Jokha landed this position after the company executives recognised her dedication and perseverance to her job.
She was eager to learn; willing to do overtime; acquire new skills and knowledge.
Speaking of her journey, Jokha said, “I joined Suhail Bahwan Automobiles in the year 2011 as a service adviser. I wanted to be involved in automobiles section and started to work in the workshop. To live this dream, I attended several technical trainings. I was encouraged all the way by SBA management. I feel no other company would have encouraged a woman to take on a role at the technical workshop except for SBA. I love my position, nature of the job and enjoying being amidst car.”
She added, “Being in customer complaint section also was an advantage because it gave me immense pleasure in explaining the technical terms since I am an engineer who perfectly understands the intricacies of an automobile.”
Under the wise leadership of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said, the government has accorded Omani women due to support to tap opportunities in every field. The government has been taking concrete and practical measures to empower women and deliver full equality. In line with the national priorities, Suhail Bahwan Automobiles believes in providing equal opportunity to men and women. SBA has several women working in service advisor, technical cell positions apart from desk roles like call centre agents, sales executives among others.
A spokesperson for SBA said, “We are privileged to have inspiring and bold women like Jokha in the SBA group. She is an outstanding example for women who have similar aspirations. We hope more and more women redefine the automotive industry in Oman. We will continue to endorse the active contribution of female employees in all sectors as part of our strategy. We will support them through skill development training, workshops and mentoring programmes.”
The official added, “Building an inclusive workplace is very close to our heart and we take great pleasure in being a strong advocate of the same. We are keen on helping help women employees achieve their career goals.”
Jokha encourages women to tap the amazing opportunities available for them irrespective of the field. She advised fellow working women in the country, “Take every opportunity given to you. Nowadays, getting a job is difficult. Women should take advantage of being employed. We should work hard with passion in order to excel in our jobs. We must learn and excel in our respective fields.
"We must feel enthused by other women in the country to take up challenging positions and move in career.”
Jokha also advices to support other women, “By backing and empowering each other, we can build personal success stories in sectors that we don’t always lead.”