Examining Women’s Right to Equality in Employment and the Restrictions Governing It in Light of Contemporary Social and Political Developments in Iran

<jats:p>The right to education and the right to employment are among the most important manifestations of economic, social, and cultural rights, commonly classified as the second generation of human rights. Their realization requires governments to fulfil positive obligations by creating equal opportunities for all individuals, particularly women. This study aims to examine the theoretical foundations of equality in women’s enjoyment of the rights to education and employment and to analyze the principal legal and practical restrictions affecting these rights within the Iranian legal system. The study adopts a descriptive-analytical method and draws on library-based sources, human rights instruments, domestic legislation, and legal scholarship. In addition to explaining the status of the rights to education and employment within the human rights framework, the study examines the legal foundations of equality of opportunity and the obligations of the state to guarantee these rights, while also analyzing the regulations governing women’s education and employment in Iran. The findings indicate that, although Iranian laws and regulations in certain respects emphasize the principle of equality and the protection of women’s rights, several restrictions continue to impede the full realization of equality of opportunity. These include the exclusion of women from certain occupations, limitations on their eligibility to hold particular positions, and the application of gender-based quotas in certain university disciplines. The findings further demonstrate that the effective realization of women’s rights to education and employment requires not only the amendment and revision of certain legal provisions, but also changes in cultural attitudes, the elimination of gender stereotypes, and the strengthening of governmental support policies aimed at ensuring equal opportunities based on individual merit and competence.</jats:p>