Fact Check: Iran is one of worst country of Gender Equality and Women rights

Fact Check: "Iran is one of worst country of Gender Equality and Women rights"

What We Know

Iran has consistently ranked poorly in terms of gender equality and women's rights. According to the World Economic Forum's Global Gender Gap Report, Iran was ranked 140 out of 144 countries in 2017 for gender parity. More recently, in 2024, Iran's ranking dropped to 143 out of 146 countries assessed, indicating a worsening situation for women's rights (source-3). The Georgetown Institute for Women, Peace and Security's 2023 report also places Iran in the bottom tier, ranking it 140th out of 177 countries for women's inclusion, justice, and security (source-1).

Legal discrimination against women is prevalent in Iran. The World Bank's database highlights 23 restrictions in Iranian law that affect married women, including limitations on applying for a passport, traveling, and being the head of the household (source-1). Furthermore, the Iranian Civil Code allows husbands to prevent their wives from taking jobs deemed incompatible with family interests (source-1). The situation is compounded by the lack of legal protections against domestic violence and sexual harassment, which further entrenches gender inequality (source-1).

Analysis

The claim that "Iran is one of the worst countries for gender equality and women's rights" is supported by multiple credible sources. The rankings from the World Economic Forum and the Georgetown Institute provide quantitative evidence of Iran's poor standing in global gender equality assessments (source-1, source-3). Additionally, reports from organizations such as the Center for Human Rights in Iran describe the systematic oppression of women through laws and policies that restrict their rights in various aspects of life, including marriage, divorce, and employment (source-2).

However, it is essential to consider the context in which these rankings are made. While Iran has made some progress in areas like education and financial inclusion compared to some other countries in the region, the overall legal framework and societal norms severely limit women's rights (source-1). The term "gender apartheid" has been used to describe the situation in Iran, emphasizing the institutionalized nature of gender discrimination (source-2). This term, while controversial, highlights the severity of the restrictions faced by women in Iran.

The sources used in this analysis are credible, with the World Economic Forum and Georgetown University being well-respected institutions in the field of gender studies. Reports from human rights organizations provide firsthand accounts and analyses of the situation, further corroborating the claim.

Conclusion

Verdict: True
The claim that "Iran is one of the worst countries for gender equality and women's rights" is substantiated by multiple credible sources and rankings that consistently place Iran near the bottom of global assessments. The legal and social restrictions faced by women in Iran, coupled with the lack of protections against discrimination and violence, affirm the severity of the situation.