Iran Faces Criticism for Omitting Gender Justice from Development Plan Amidst Unrest & Repression

In a recent interview with the Tehran-based ISNA official news agency, Iran's vice president for women and family affairs, Ensieh Khazali, revealed that the government had excluded gender justice from its latest development plan, sparking outrage among campaigners. Despite ongoing unrest and protests over women's rights, the Islamic dictatorship seems to continue disregarding the issue.

The Islamic leadership's development plan, currently in its seventh edition, previously mentioned the protection of families, women's social, political, and economic empowerment, and creating a balance among women's multiple roles in society. However, Khazali stated that the government considered gender justice already implemented and therefore unnecessary to include in the upcoming program.

This decision has raised concerns, especially considering Iran's low ranking in the 2023 Global Gender Gap Report. The report, released by the World Economic Forum, placed Iran 143rd out of 146 nations in terms of gender equality. The ranking takes into account factors such as engagement in economic and political activities, access to education and public health.

Khazali disputed the accuracy of the ranking, but women's rights activists have seized upon it during recent protests, using it as evidence that constitutional changes are needed to ensure equality and diversity. Activists have called for the enactment of a proposed Women's Legal Bill, which aims to reflect women's struggles and demands throughout history and in future legal rules, including any new constitution that may be drafted.

The nationwide rallies in Iran have been driven by outrage over the murder of Mahsa Amini while in police custody. Thousands of Iranians have taken to the streets, demanding greater freedoms and women's rights. Authorities claimed Amini's death was due to a heart attack, but witnesses and her family allege that she was subjected to police brutality. The incident has triggered anti-government demonstrations across the country.

Unfortunately, the Iranian government's response to the unrest has been marked by a severe crackdown. Human rights organizations report that over 500 people, including 71 children, have died as a result of the government's actions.

As the country grapples with widespread discontent and increasing pressure for change, Iran's leadership faces its most significant challenge since the 1979 revolution. The omission of gender justice from the development plan has further deepened the divide between the government and women's rights campaigners, amplifying calls for meaningful reform and recognition of women's rights in Iran.