Dr. Hanan Zare: Ph.D.  in Sociology of  Development, University of Tehran; Postdoctoral Researcher, Global Partnership Network, University of Kassel. hannanzare@gmail.com

More than four decades after the Islamic Revolution, the status of women in Iran has undergone significant changes. This report briefly examines the current situation of Iranian women across key dimensions such as health, education, employment, family, and political participation. The findings indicate that while progress has been made in areas such as education and health, substantial gaps remain in indicators like economic participation, decision-making power, and gender equity. These disparities not only hinder human development but also pose serious challenges to achieving sustainable development. The report concludes with policy-oriented recommendations aimed at improving women's status in the country.

Demographic and Health Indicators of Women

According to the 2021 census data from the Statistical Center of Iran, significant shifts have occurred in women's demographic indicators. The total fertility rate has declined to 1.6 children per woman—a dramatic 65% decrease compared to 1986. This downward trend may have far-reaching consequences for the country's demographic structure, including a shrinking working-age population and a growing elderly population.

Conversely, female life expectancy reached 78.5 years in 2021, on average four years longer than that of men. This gap reflects relatively better health outcomes for women across their lifespan. Additionally, the proportion of elderly women (aged 65 and over) has risen to 5.8% of the total population, with an annual growth rate of 3.2%. This trend highlights the growing need for targeted support policies and services for elderly women.

Education and Scientific Empowerment

In the realm of education and women's economic participation, educational achievements in recent years have been notable. The literacy rate among women aged 15–24 has reached 98.6%, reflecting significant progress in achieving universal literacy among young women. Moreover, women now account for 59.3% of new admissions to higher education institutions, clearly indicating increased female participation in universities and academic centers.

However, disparities remain in certain fields of study. Notably, women constitute only 23% of students enrolled in technical and engineering disciplines, underscoring the need for greater efforts to boost female representation in these areas. While these statistics reflect meaningful progress in women's access to education, they also highlight the importance of promoting their presence in specialized and technical fields.

Economic Status and Employment

The economic participation rate of women stands at 16.1%, which is significantly lower than the global average of approximately 48%. The unemployment rate among educated women is twice that of their male counterparts. Additionally, women hold only 19.7% of managerial positions. Contributing factors include gender-based discrimination, cultural barriers, legal restrictions, and a lack of social support for working mothers.

Family Dynamics and Structural Changes

Recent social and familial developments in Iran indicate significant shifts in the structure of the family institution. One notable change is the rising average age of marriage for women, which has reached 24.5 years—an increase of about five years since 1986. This shift reflects a delay in family formation and changes in the social and cultural norms surrounding marriage.

According to official records, the ratio of registered divorces to marriages in Iran was approximately 26.7% in 2018, meaning that for every 100 registered marriages, around 26 to 27 divorces were also recorded. This figure has been on the rise over the years; in 1979, the ratio stood at just 6.9%. By the fall of 2021, it had increased to 34.8%. These trends point to a substantial rise in divorce rates relative to marriage and signal evolving dynamics within the family structure and changing patterns of intimate relationships in Iran. These transformations may stem from shifting attitudes toward gender roles, economic and social pressures, and broader cultural changes.

In addition, 16.2% of households in Iran are headed by women. This statistic reflects a growing number of female-headed households and underscores the need for targeted social and economic support for this demographic. Collectively, these changes highlight evolving family models and the expanding role of women in both social and economic spheres.

Political Participation and Decision-Making Power

Despite comprising a significant portion of the educated and active social base, women hold a minimal share in decision-making institutions in Iran. Women constitute only 5.8% of representatives in the Islamic Consultative Assembly. A similar underrepresentation exists in the cabinet, ministries, and key policymaking councils. This gap not only perpetuates political inequality but also hinders the development and implementation of gender-responsive policies.

Conclusion

An analysis of the status of women in Iran revealed that despite structural challenges and social barriers, notable progress has been made in areas such as education, health, and public engagement. The rising levels of educational attainment among women, their growing social awareness, and their increasing participation in cultural and civic spheres signal promising shifts toward gender equality. These developments suggest that Iranian society, particularly its younger generation, is increasingly prepared to redefine gender roles and support equal participation in the development processes.

Policymakers can create conditions for gender justice through gradual and systematic reforms by leveraging domestic capacities, global experience, and rigorous research. Therefore, the outlook for women in Iran can be viewed with cautious optimism. A future shaped by dialogue, planning, and collective engagement offers potential for continued growth and transformation. Investing in women's capabilities is not only a step toward social justice but also a key driver of sustainable development.

The findings presented on the demographic, educational, economic, and familial transformations among women in Iran indicate notable progress in certain areas alongside the persistence of structural challenges in others. In response to this complex landscape, a set of policy recommendations can be proposed to improve the status of women and to strengthen gender equality in the country.

1. Economic and Employment Sector
According to the recommendations of the OECD (2021), it is essential to prioritize the sustained and effective participation of women in the labor market through the following measures:

• Expanding social insurance coverage for housewives to formally recognize their informal contributions to household and societal economies
• Establishing a job security guarantee fund for female-headed households to mitigate economic risks and enhance employment stability
• Revising labor laws to reduce the gender wage gap and promote equal representation of women in professional and managerial positions.

2. Public Sphere and Social Participation
According to the findings of UN Women (2022), enhancing women's status in decision-making domains requires proactive and targeted policy interventions, including the following:

• Implementing gender quota systems within policymaking and administrative bodies to ensure meaningful representation of women.
• Conducting leadership and political empowerment training programs for women, particularly at local and regional levels.
• Strengthening and supporting women’s civil society organizations to expand their engagement in civil society and the public sphere.

3. Social Security and Urban Spaces
Drawing on UN-Habitat’s urban sustainable development initiatives, the following measures are essential for enhancing women’s safety and inclusion in urban environments.

• Developing and expanding "Safe Cities for Women" infrastructure, including improved public lighting, secure transportation systems, and protected public spaces
• Establishing confidential and effective reporting systems for violence against women, ensuring both privacy and follow-up actions
• Providing specialized training for police and law enforcement personnel to support women and victims of violence to enhance the responsiveness of formal institutions.

Overall, the implementation of these policies represents a critical step toward addressing gender-based inequalities and improving the quality of life of women in Iran, thereby paving the way for equitable and sustainable development.

For further information, you can refer to the following websites:

• Statistical Center of Iran. https://www.amar.org.ir/
• OECD. https://www.oecd.org/
• UN Women. https://www.unwomen.org/
• UN-Habitat. https://unhabitat.org

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