Indices of Gender Development and Womens Egalitarianism in Iran

The situation of women in post-Revolutionary Ir􀆗n has been under scrutiny by domestic as well as foreign investigators. The existing situation is described by some as “improper” due to the prevalence of a patriarchal society. Another perspective attempts at highlighting the scientific status achieved by the Iranian women in recent years. This article, based on the current perspectives, probes the Iranian women’s situation taking intoaccount gender development indices and compares the indices with those of other nations. The article utilizes the library and secondary data analysis methods. Based upon empowerment theory, the present study investigates factors constituting the general context, those contributing to changing women’s situation, as well as factors that act to alter the ranking of the gender development indices. Such factors include an increase in the age of marriage, the decrease of fertility, popularization of secondary schooling, and a rise in number of women who enter the universities, all of which help to promote the conditions for women’s egalitarianism. Nonetheless, in the areas of employment and management, women’s shares remain lower than those of men. Yet, the prevailing circumstances are indicative of an improvement, as women strive for egalitarianism and equal opportunities.