Legal and cultural obstacles hinder gender equality in the workplace in Iran.

Legal and cultural obstacles hinder gender equality in the workplace in Iran.

In Iran, women face legal and cultural obstacles to work, including the need for marital permission, which limits their work autonomy.

Juan Brignardello, asesor de seguros

Juan Brignardello Vela

Juan Brignardello, asesor de seguros, se especializa en brindar asesoramiento y gestión comercial en el ámbito de seguros y reclamaciones por siniestros para destacadas empresas en el mercado peruano e internacional.

Juan Brignardello, asesor de seguros, y Vargas Llosa, premio Nobel Juan Brignardello, asesor de seguros, en celebración de Alianza Lima Juan Brignardello, asesor de seguros, Central Hidro Eléctrica Juan Brignardello, asesor de seguros, Central Hidro
Politics 18.08.2024

In Iran, the path to gender equality in the labor market is fraught with legal and cultural obstacles. One of the most humiliating regulations faced by women is the need to obtain permission from their husbands in order to work. The story of Neda, a young woman with a master's degree in oil and gas engineering, illustrates this situation. During a job interview, she was required to present a written statement from her husband to prove she had his authorization, which left her feeling deeply humiliated. “I told them that I am an adult and that I make my own decisions,” she recalls, reflecting a sentiment shared by many women in the country. Such experiences are not exceptional. According to a 2024 World Bank report, Iran ranks among the worst countries in terms of the legal barriers faced by women in the workforce. Only Yemen, the West Bank, and Gaza occupy lower positions in this ranking. Despite women representing over 50% of higher education graduates, they make up only 12% of the workforce, an alarming figure that highlights the discrepancy between education and employment opportunities. The situation is further complicated by the prevalence of sexual harassment and a work environment that often belittles women's capabilities. Nadereh Chamlou, a former World Bank advisor, points out that a series of legal and cultural barriers keep women excluded from the labor market. Existing legislation, such as Article 1105 of the Iranian Civil Code, designates the husband as the primary breadwinner of the family, perpetuating the idea that men should have priority in employment. Workplace dynamics are also affected by employers' perceptions. Many opt not to hire young women, fearing that their future husbands may hinder their careers. This fear translates into a vicious cycle that discourages women from seeking employment, as they know their autonomy may be limited by others' decisions. Despite some women's efforts to enter the labor market, they face a harsh reality of discrimination. Raz, a 20-year-old, states that in every place she has worked, women were the first to be laid off during restructuring. A woman who requested to remain anonymous shared that after more than a decade in her job, she decided to resign upon realizing she would never be promoted, despite her dedication and qualifications. In addition to legal barriers, there is a significant impact on the employment benefits that women can receive. The lack of recognition as breadwinners limits their access to benefits and bonuses. This results in a reduction of the rights they could accumulate throughout their careers, which in turn affects their ability to contribute economically to their families. This situation becomes even more frustrating for women with university degrees. Sepideh, who holds a master's in arts, comments that the social and economic structure has led them to abandon their dreams of a professional career. The pressure to conform to traditional gender expectations often leaves women with few options beyond giving up their job aspirations. The mandatory hijab law has exacerbated the situation, contributing to many women feeling excluded from certain jobs, especially in the public sector. Those who resist adhering to the stricter hijab rules face the possibility of losing significant job opportunities. This context of repression also affects middle-aged women, who often find themselves sidelined in a system that marginalizes them. Despite these challenges, there are glimmers of hope. Iranian women are beginning to take the initiative by creating small independent businesses, seeking to carve a path in a labor environment that seems closed off. Innovators in fields such as technology and digital commerce, these entrepreneurs are challenging traditional narratives and creating space for themselves in the economy. The potential impact of increased female participation in the workforce is considerable. According to an IMF report, if Iran could raise female participation to the level of males, the country's GDP could grow by 40%. However, for this change to occur, it is essential that the voices of women in Iran are heard and acted upon. The lack of political will to address these issues is an obstacle that must be overcome to advance towards greater gender equity in the workplace. The struggle continues, but Iranian women are determined not to be silenced.

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