Iran: Does Government Fear Educated Women?

Iran’s parliamentary research arm has reported on new trends of rising numbers of Iranian women enrolling in higher-education programs. Women in the Islamic society must contend with limited rights in the law and the workplace, and thus many pursue education to become competitive for the limited opportunities available to females, suggests one activist. Increased female enrollment could lead to cultural and economic imbalances as well as challenges for institutions in a society that disapproves of women and men in close quarters or even reading the same textbooks, the report warns. Analysts expect the government to take steps to control education programs for women, offering guidance on programs “suitable for them.” Critics question whether the real problem is growing numbers of women attending universities or a society that feels compelled to limit the spread of knowledge among one segment of the population. – YaleGlobal