Fact-Checking | Claims by Australian Senator Regarding Women's Rights in Iran

A group known as the "Iranian Charitable Women’s Association" hosted an event in Sydney, Australia, on Saturday, March 4, to celebrate "International Women’s Day," which gained media attention due to misleading statements made by an Australian senator regarding women's rights in Iran. "Press TV," the English-language network of the Islamic Republic of Iran, covered the event and described it as a counter to "misleading Western narratives" about women's rights in Iran. The state television network also conducted an interview with Fatemeh Payman, an Afghan-born Australian senator, who confirmed this narrative and claimed that Iran is a "wonderful place" that "allows women to participate in the workforce and ensures that women's voices are heard." She asserted that Iranian women also participate in the democratic process. These claims are misleading for several reasons outlined here, and her statements have faced widespread criticism. 1. Civil and Political Rights of Women: While women in Iran have the right to vote, they face severe restrictions on political participation. Elections in the Islamic Republic of Iran are not democratic, as Ali Khamenei, the Supreme Leader, controls all branches of government, including the military and judiciary, and the president's power is limited. The Guardian Council, loyal to the "Supreme Leader," approves or disqualifies political candidates. In the 2021 presidential election, the Guardian Council disqualified 74 out of 80 registered candidates, approving only 6, who were mostly aligned with the conservative faction of the government. Women can theoretically run for the presidency or parliament, but the Guardian Council effectively prevents them from competing for the presidency based on interpretations of the constitution. In the 2021 presidential election, Zahra Aliahian, a former parliament member and supporter of mandatory hijab laws, was disqualified from running. Women hold only 4.9% of parliamentary seats, placing Iran among the lowest in the world for women's political representation. 2. Women in the Workforce: The Islamic Republic's constitution recognizes women's right to work, but in practice, multiple legal and social barriers severely limit their participation in the workforce. Despite making up over 59% of university graduates, only 14% of Iranian women were part of the workforce in 2023. Research from the World Bank and other organizations indicates that women face discrimination and limited access to job opportunities. In the 2024 Global Gender Gap Report by the World Economic Forum, Iran ranked 143 out of 146 countries. Additionally, numerous reports highlight wage discrimination in Iran, noting that women are paid less than men. 3. Suppression of Freedom of Expression and Assembly: The UN Human Rights Council's fact-finding mission condemned the Islamic Republic in 2024 for escalating repressive actions against women and girls and those seeking to exercise their fundamental rights. Following the death of Mahsa Amini in custody of the morality police, which sparked nationwide protests under the slogan "Women, Life, Freedom," the regime imposed stricter laws to suppress dissent and limit freedom of expression. Journalists and activists face severe penalties for merely expressing their opinions. Two female journalists (Elaheh Mohammadi and Niloufar Hamedi), who were among the first to report on Mahsa Amini's death, faced charges including "collaboration with a hostile foreign government" and "propaganda against the regime," resulting in months of imprisonment and heavy sentences in court. Over 100 journalists, many of whom are women, have been detained since the protests began. "Press TV," which interviewed Fatemeh Payman, is a state-controlled media outlet known for broadcasting forced confessions of political prisoners and spreading false propaganda in favor of the Islamic Republic. The UK and the EU have sanctioned this network for human rights violations, including airing confessions obtained under duress. 4. Repressive Laws and Violence: The Islamic Republic has enacted repressive laws, such as the "Family Protection Law," targeting women through the promotion of hijab and chastity. Amnesty International has warned that this law could lead to death sentences for peaceful protests against mandatory hijab laws in Iran. In 2024, the regime executed 31 women, the highest number since 2010. Iran is also one of only six countries that have not ratified the UN Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women, reflecting the government's disregard for women's rights. Conclusion: While the constitution and slogans of the Islamic Republic claim to support women's participation in the workforce and democratic processes, these rights are severely restricted in practice. Iranian women face numerous legal, social, and political barriers that significantly hinder their freedom of expression, political participation, and economic engagement. The regime's ongoing repression, especially in response to recent protests, highlights the systemic discrimination and control that women in Iran continue to endure.