Women’s rights in Iran have been a complex and contentious subject, largely due to the country’s patriarchal culture and strict adherence to Muslim laws. The Iranian Revolution of 1979 brought about dramatic changes in the nation’s government, which have had both positive and negative effects on women’s rights there. On one hand, many of the secularization reforms made since then have opened up more opportunities for women; however, on the other hand, various aspects of Islamic law remain entrenched in Iranian politics and society. This has limited women’s autonomy over their own lives while also perpetuating gender discrimination.

Prior to the Iranian Revolution of 1979, most laws regarding family affairs were based on Sharia (Islamic law). Women did not enjoy equal rights with men under this system; they had fewer legal protections when it came to divorce or child custody issues. Furthermore, segregation between genders was strictly enforced by both state and religious authorities – public spaces such as universities were segregated along gender lines, while certain professions such as legal practice were offlimits for women entirely.

Since 1979, though there has been some progress in terms of female emancipation within Iran. In 1983 the Family Protection Law was passed to protect disadvantaged spouses from abuse at home; this gave women additional power within familial relationships by allowing them greater access to divorce proceedings than before. It also provided better protection for children who are born out of wedlock (who often had few legal options prior). Additionally, although schools remain separated by gender there have been several initiatives since then that allow girls access to higher education outside their homes – including scholarships targeted specifically towards female students from rural areas or those from lowincome households.