What hides behind the scarf: Iranian women’s participation in the economy

Abstract

Despite the lack of jobs available for women in Iran, and the continued experience of overt and covert discrimination in the workplace, a recent increase in the presence of women in the Iranian workforce is visible. This is due in part to the push for gender justice by Iranian women based on the roles of women and men under Shariah law and the reversal of educational policies discriminating against girls, particularly in relation to university studies. The growing knowledge and confidence of educated Iranian women have allowed them to advocate strongly and with better confidence for their legal and social rights using Islamic feminism to define their role within society. Iranian diaspora women are also part of this process of transformation mediating a better understanding of the place of women within the economy, including their rights under Islam. Although in many Western accounts there are many stereotypical images of Iranian women, this chapter shows that they are continually negotiating and redefining their future from within their own values, focussing on the issues that matter to them in their participation in the economy. They represent a vibrant and powerful part of the changing global employment environment, making important contributions to the economy and society.