Understanding the gender gap in Iran's industrial workforce: Barriers to women's participation

Abstract

This review investigates the persistent gender gap in Iran's industrial workforce, analyzing how socio-cultural norms, legal frameworks, and economic policies collectively restrict women's participation. Drawing on Iranian and international scholarship from the past decade, the study highlights three interconnected dimensions. First, patriarchal values and discriminatory laws-such as spousal consent requirements and occupational stereotypes-systematically exclude women from male-dominated industrial sectors like manufacturing and energy, despite their growing presence in STEM education (Zahedi et al., 2022). Second, economic policies, including privatization, sanctions, and subsidy programs, exacerbate gender disparities by prioritizing cost-cutting measures that displace women into informal, low-wage labor (Salehi-Isfahani, 2020) and reinforcing male-dominated industries (Moghadam, 2019). Third, these barriers undermine Iran's economic development by stifling innovation and GDP growth (World Bank, 2020) while deepening social inequalities through income disparities and limited women's agency (Rostami-Povey, 2021). The review underscores the urgency of legal reforms, inclusive economic strategies, and investments in women's technical training to address systemic inequities. By aligning policies with global commitments like the UN SDGs (UNDP, 2021), Iran can harness women's potential to drive sustainable development and social progress.