Iranian women challenge legal and cultural barriers in the labor market.

In a work environment where gender expectations are deeply rooted, women in Iran face a series of legal barriers that limit their ability to develop professionally. One of the most humiliating requirements is the need to present a signed authorization from their husbands in order to access employment. This is the case of Neda, who holds a master's degree in petroleum and gas engineering and was forced to prove that she had her husband's permission to work, an experience that left her feeling stripped of her autonomy. This situation is not an isolated case; it reflects a systematic pattern of discrimination in the Iranian labor market. According to a 2024 report from the World Bank, Iran ranks among the worst countries in terms of gender legal barriers, with only Yemen, the West Bank, and Gaza occupying lower positions. Despite women representing more than 50% of university graduates, their participation in the workforce is alarmingly low, with only 12% in the labor market according to 2023 data. The laws governing the labor market in Iran are rooted in a cultural context that favors men as heads of households and primary breadwinners. This environment, combined with the lack of legal frameworks protecting women, creates a hostile atmosphere. Nadereh Chamlou, a former advisor to the World Bank, notes that the combination of legal barriers, sexual harassment, and sexist prejudices contributes to the exclusion of women from the labor sphere. Cases of violence and coercion are common, as recounted by businessman Saeed, who has had to deal with angry husbands demanding that their wives quit their jobs. This dynamic not only affects the morale of female workers but also leads companies to disengage from hiring women as part of their labor policies, as the risk of a husband intervening can discourage the hiring of young women. Even when women manage to overcome these barriers and secure employment, they find themselves in an environment that perpetuates wage inequality and limits their promotion opportunities. An anonymous woman who worked for over ten years in a company decided to resign when she realized that her job offered no chance for growth, as there were always less qualified men promoted before her. This type of discrimination is supported by laws that do not recognize women as breadwinners, affecting their entitlement to benefits and bonuses. The situation is even more complex for those wishing to enter public service, where the requirement for hijab can make certain jobs unattainable for women who do not conform to strict dress codes. The need for marital permission to work and the limitations imposed by the Civil Code reinforce an environment where women, often highly qualified, are systematically excluded. Iran's economic context, marked by sanctions and poor management, also plays a fundamental role. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has pointed out that increasing female participation in the labor market could lead to a significant rise in the country's GDP, suggesting that the inclusion of women in the workforce is not only a matter of social justice but also an economic necessity. However, despite the adversities, there are signs of change. Iranian women are beginning to take the initiative and create their own opportunities through small businesses and independent projects, challenging the limitations imposed by a system that seeks to suppress their potential. Innovative ideas, from cooking apps to digital sales platforms, are emerging from this growing sector, demonstrating that women's resilience can challenge established norms. Nadereh Chamlou concludes that, although there is currently no active political will to change the situation of women in the labor market, their empowerment and creativity are starting to pave the way. Women in Iran are proving that their capability and ambition cannot be contained by outdated laws and a discriminatory culture. Through their determination and effort, they are establishing new frontiers in the fight for gender equality and recognition in the workplace.