The Statistical Center of Iran, in an official report, announced an increase in the unemployment rate among young women in 20 provinces of the country. This statistic contradicts the government’s claim of reducing the unemployment rate in the country.
According to Kolbarnews, the unemployment rate among women aged 15 to 24 reached 36.4% in the winter of 2023, which has increased compared to the same period the previous year (winter of 2022).
In 7 provinces of the country, which Lorestan having the highest rate at 86.2%, more than half of young women are seeking employment.
The economic participation rate of women (13.8%) is one-third of the total participation rate (40.8%) and one-fifth of the male economic participation rate (68%).
Additionally, the unemployment rate among women aged 18 to 35 (27.1%) is more than twice the unemployment rate among men in this age group (12.7%).
A notable point is the high proportion of university-educated women among the unemployed. 39% of the unemployed population in 2023 (equivalent to 884,000 people) are university graduates, with women accounting for 69.3% and men 25.5% of this population.
The report from the Statistical Center indicates that despite the claims of government officials, the employment situation of women in the country, especially young women and university graduates, is very concerning.
Among the existing challenges, reducing agricultural jobs due to water scarcity and government policies to limit women’s presence in certain occupations, the increase in informal jobs, and the government’s focus on home-based and small-scale jobs as a solution for women’s employment can be mentioned.
