Iranian Women’s Opportunities Hindered by Educational Disparity and Early Marriage

A Lost Generation of Female Potential?

Iranian demographer Shahla Kazemipour has brought to light the concerning challenges young women in Iran are facing. Her research, based on official statistics, reveals a troubling trend of girls dropping out of school at an alarming rate.

While primary school enrollment for girls stands at a promising 95%, this number drastically drops to just 70% by high school. This means that approximately 621,000 girls are leaving school annually, resulting in a significant loss of female talent and potential.

Kazemipour’s analysis also highlights the limited opportunities for women in Iran, with only around 40% of women aged 20 to 30 being employed. This low employment rate raises concerns about the lack of access to jobs and economic participation for young women.

One of the most alarming statistics presented by Kazemipour is the prevalence of child marriage in Iran. Official data shows that 200,000 girls between the ages of 15 and 19 are married every year, with some marriages involving underage girls as young as 12 to much older men. This raises serious questions about the protection of girls’ rights and the potential consequences for their well-being.

Moving forward, addressing these challenges will require policies and initiatives that encourage girls to stay in school, develop their skills, and participate in the workforce. Additionally, immediate action is needed to protect girls from the harmful effects of child marriage and ensure their fundamental rights are upheld. The future of these young women and the potential they hold depend on the actions taken now to support and empower them.