Islamic Republic of Iran: Promoting Violence Against Women

In Iran, laws and legal codes are largely based on gender discrimination and therefore do not represent the best interests of women as half of the population; nor do they provide them with proper protection in male-dominated Iranian society. Women commit crimes in every society. This paper draws attention to women who have offended and are in Iran’s prisons as a result of Iranian Civil Law and the Islamic Penal Code which deprives them of access to equal rights and opportunities. It argues that a large number of offences were preventable had the law provided protection for women who are now classified as offenders and in prison; who could have become useful members of society if given the opportunity to develop their potential.