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.