Iranian Women Unemployment Rate at 43.4 Percent

Women's unemployment rate in the last eight years reached 43.4 percent, according to the latest report released by the Statistical Center of Iran, Sunday edition of the English language newspaper Iran Daily writes.

The difference in unemployment rates among men and women of 15-24 years increased from 12.2 percent in 2005 and reached 22.4 in the current year and experienced a 10.8-percent rise.

It has been almost two decades that women have been increasing their socioeconomic presence felt in the society. Today, women are active in all fields and participate in most social activities.

Although it has been years since women are working outside home, job opportunities for women have been restricted by the male-dominated society and unjust competition.

Statistics also indicate that despite their high capabilities, Iranian women could not acquire a fair share of the job market.

A number of jobs are associated with men, while many other jobs, including nursery and consultation services, call for women's presence.

Some experts believe women's employment must be of secondary importance. This is while some employers believe the other way around and maintain that meritocracy is much more important than gender-oriented perspective.

Iran's population exceeds 74 million, of which more than half of them are women. Thus, ignoring women's potentials would be a great loss.

Working in difficult conditions such as shipping, mining and tough weather is usually handled by men. However, women's demand for employment has been increasing and poses a serious challenge to the governments.

Although fewer women seek jobs than men, the high unemployment rate among women is a matter of concern.

Based on statistics, job-seeking women are usually under the age of 30, which indicates the fact that they hold academic qualifications and need to work.

Compared to 2005, women are now less willing to work overtime and that figure has decreased from 17.6 percent to 15.3 percent.

Women's employment in agricultural and industrial sectors has declined, while it increased slightly in the services sector.