Women in the Islamic Republic of Iran

The High Council for Human Rights of The Islamic Republic of Iran (February 2023)

Women in the Islamic Republic of Iran After the victory of the Islamic Revolution, there has been a tremendous change in the attitude toward the role and position of women in society. One of the most significant changes that took place was to form the identity of Iranian Muslim women, which led to the advancement of women after the Islamic Revolution. In line with the perspicuous religion of Islam, the Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran considers women as the active half of the society, respects the special rights of women in various social, cultural, economic, and political fields, provides the basis for the effective presence thereof in various fields as one of the essential duties assigned thereto, and always endeavors to consider this goal in planning and enactment of laws. From the very first days of its popular movement, the Islamic Revolution has emphasized the importance of the role and position of women in Islamic society. It has always paid attention to the full realization of their rights based on the basic principles and within the framework of Islamic Sharia, taking into account all aspects of their personality and dimensions and characteristics of their existence. To that end, and for the development and promotion of women, the Islamic Republic of Iran has approved several laws, which are always dynamic in nature and can be upgraded and replaced if the needs of the society change.

Thanks to the glorious Islamic Revolution, women in Iran believed that their real growth hinged upon the fact that in a balanced and multilateral movement, they pay attention to their personal development, on the one hand, and, on the other, they pay attention to their family duties, i.e., wife and mother as the central axis of the family, and in addition, they have a wide presence and activity in various political and social fields. This is despite the fact that since the victory of the Islamic Revolution and the establishment  of the Islamic Republic, Iranian women have proven their merit many times, and by observing religious teachings and preserving personal privacy, they have always been active in various personal, social, educational, cultural, political, economic and other fields and have exhibited their unquestionable competence and effort to uplift the motherland. Since four decades after the Islamic Revolution, the Country has witnessed the scientific, personal, moral, political, and social development of women in the Islamic Republic in all fields of medicine, technology, education, formation of special institutions and centers for women, formulation and enactment of numerous laws and regulations regarding the rights of women, creation and expansion of various social and political currents to defend women’s rights, grant managerial and executive positions thereto, and facilitate legislation and policy-making therefor. 

Ensuring the comprehensive rights of people, both men and women, and equality of the public before the Law, removing unjust discrimination, and creating fair facilities for everyone are guaranteed and taken care of in the Constitution and statute laws. In order to ensure women’s rights in various fields, Government institutions have been tasked with providing women’s material and spiritual development and establishing the necessary facilities and arrangements. Since its establishment, the Islamic Republic of Iran has paid particular attention to advancing women’s affairs and improving their rights and status. It has also significantly improved women’s dignity, honor, social, and human character. The Country has taken extensive measures to improve health, education, employment, ensure women’s security and combat violence against them, and increase the social presence of women through participation in decision-making positions, which are briefly discussed in the present report.....