Women’s Representation in Oman: State-Led Inequality Across the Gulf region, the government of Oman is generally viewed as moderate, especially as it relates to the advancement of the status of women. In fact, in 1994 Oman became the first country in the region to extend political rights to women, and was among the first Arab countries to appoint women to ministerial posts and ambassadorships. Additionally, Oman has enacted a variety of progressive laws as it relates to women’s social status and personal rights laws. Still, despite these nominally positive perceptions, Oman’s fifty-year modernization and development history has yet to see women appointed or elected to high position, especially given that women comprise roughly half of the population. When evaluating Oman’s thirty-four ministers, only four were female and among the eighty-five state council members, there are only fifteen females. These low numbers are in spite of the Omani government’s vocal support for women, which includes many ministries and high-ranking officials frequently stating that Omani women have equal rights. Nevertheless, this discrepancy evidences that Omani women’s political participation is primarily symbolic, rather than representative. The overarching question of this research will be to ascertain Omani women’s self-perception of the small number of women serving in decision-making bodies, including the federal government and State Council. Part of this analysis will include an examination of women’s role in pushing the government for equal representation in these institutions. I argue that if Omani women were able to collectivize their work and efforts, they would see more success within the upper echelons of government. This research will determine if women who successfully reach high-positions do enough from their perch to advance equal rights. Additionally, it will question whether enough attention is being paid to mechanisms that enforce equitable measures. Answers to these questions are integral to understanding the relationship between traditional thinking, and claims of modernity. Methodologically, this paper will utilize a qualitative feminist approach, including expert interviews with female Omani politicians. Resulting data will be synthesized to develop an understanding regarding Omani women’s views toward patriarchy and state-led patriarchy. This research will provide a new perspective regarding inequality among females in high governmental positions. Subsequently, the results of this inquiry could lead to policy recommendations related to women’s representation in politics.