Women register over 24 percent of Iran’s inventions: Official

Tehran, IRNA – Deputy President for Women and Family Affairs Zahra Behrouz-Azar says women continue to play an expanding role in education, innovation and national development, noting that “more than 24 percent of inventions in the country are registered by women,” compared to a global average of 14 to 17 percent.

Speaking on Tuesday at a gathering of Education Ministry women’s affairs officials, Behrouz-Azar said “more than 60 percent of university entrants are women,” reflecting their growing academic presence.

She pointed to historical evidence showing women’s economic and managerial roles in ancient Iran, including at Persepolis, where women were responsible for wages and rations and received differentiated rights during pregnancy and childcare.

Behrouz-Azar highlighted prominent female figures in Islam, including “Hazrat Khadija (S)” and “Hazrat Zahra (S),” as examples of leadership in economic and cultural spheres.

She also noted women’s sacrifices in modern history, citing “more than 17,000 female martyrs, veterans and freed captives” during the Sacred Defense.

Officials remain committed to removing barriers to women’s advancement across sectors, she added.