ISLAMIC REPUBLIC OF IRAN'S GENERAL POLICIES TOWARDS THE EMPLOYMENT OF WOMEN

The following principles form the basis of women's employment in the Islamic Republic of Iran:

1. In view of women's revered role in motherhood, the upbringing of children and household management, and their great significance in society, cultural and economic development, due consideration must be given to women's spiritual and material values within the family and the household affairs.

2. Women's employment in cultural, social, economic and administrative fields lays the foundation for the achievement of social justice and progress and as such must receive the necessary attention.

3. The family members' co-operation and subordination of personal prominence to the desired management of household affairs are essential to the efficient discharge of social responsibilities.

4. Women's social employment conditions must facilitate their spiritual, social and professional progress and must not exert any detrimental effect on their mental, physical and spiritual standing.

5. In view of women's great importance in social and economic development, it is obligatory for the government planning and executive organizations to provide the necessary facilities for the employment of women in the following fields to the extent of national self-sufficiency:

• Teaching, midwifery and gynecology, which are highly recommendable for women.
• Applied, laboratory-based sciences, pharmacy, electronic engineering, social work, translation and other jobs which are in congruity with women's physical and mental characteristics.

Women's employment in technical and services sectors and other jobs, with the exclusion of activities that are not recommended for women on grounds of social and cultural beliefs, is to be encouraged by planners and executives in government.

6. Encouragement of the college educated, specialist women to assume managerial and executive responsibilities in order to utilize their capabilities in high-ranking positions.

7. In view of the fact that an educated and specialized work-force is the nation's greatest asset and whose scientific training is accomplished through heavy investments, it is firstly necessary that women make judicious choice of study to facilitate their future employment in activities congruent with their requirements. Secondly, provisions must be made to ensure educated women's access to jobs that utilize their capabilities with no hindrance to their essential role in the family.

8. The mass media, in connection with women's employment, must follow officially approved policies that effectively block any foreign cultural invasion that stands in contradiction to our Islamic principles. In addition, the mass media tools must propagate the necessity of women's employment in cultural, social and economic fields to accomplish national development.

9. Equal wages, salaries and fringe benefits under equal working conditions must be guaranteed for men and women.

10. In view of the great importance attached to the well-being and stability of the family as well as the essential role of women in the education of children, women's employment must guarantee such considerations and advantages as maternity leave with pay before and after giving birth, reduced working hours, social security during unemployment and in sickness, old age, incapacity, etc.

11. Technical and vocational training facilities and job opportunities must be provided for women with priorities given to economically deprived women who are the family income earners.

12. Suitable in-the-home job opportunities must be created for the housewife-mothers who nurture their children.

13. The State Administrative and Employment Organization, and the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs, with the co-operation of the Women's Social and Cultural Council, have the joint responsibility of co-ordinating and implementing the content of the above-mentioned items and report their achievements to the Supreme Council of Cultural Revolution.