Sexism or gender discrimination does not only target one gender; women, men, and even sexual minorities are not immune to pressures, limitations, and discrimination. Gender discrimination has a long history and manifests itself in various forms and with different levels of intensity and weakness in countries, cities, regions, tribes, and clans. The forms of gender discrimination vary depending on the culture, tradition, social conditions, and even economic and political circumstances. For example, in societies or smaller communities where women’s employment – especially that of young and single women – is frowned upon, with changes in political and economic conditions, gradually the stigma of women’s employment is reduced and eventually becomes a natural part of society.

There are many examples of gender discrimination against women affected by tradition and cultural and social norms, to the extent that even if women are oppressed and victimized, they are still condemned and punished; it is as if from birth, along with their female gender, they are also branded with eternal and unconditional condemnation. Women who are victims of sexual assault and harassment are just one of the cases where the grounds for their rejection by family, society, and sometimes their physical elimination are provided.

In the midst of all this, sexual minorities also face discrimination and harassment due to their gender identity, and there is little attention paid to their suffering and struggles. From a human rights perspective, regardless of personal preferences, beliefs, orientations, and gender identities of the majority, the rights of sexual minorities and LGBT family members must be respected. Otherwise, we become unwitting victims of dictatorship or the tyranny of the majority, which is one of the most dangerous forms of oppression and self-centeredness. Unfortunately, the situation for these individuals in some countries is such that they are even lacking in basic safety and security.

Gender discrimination against women is sometimes manifested in a very harsh and aggressive manner, and other times it is hidden under seemingly affectionate words and justifications. In the latter form, discrimination is caused by alluring, seductive and insidious clothing, and individuals who have become victims of sexism, whether as the perpetrator or the victim, may not be aware of the sexist nature of their thoughts, actions and behaviors. Therefore, according to the writer, the second type of misogyny is one of the most heinous and harmful forms of perpetuating injustice against women. This is because it prevents women from expressing their anger and protest, and also leads individuals to reconsider their attitudes and status, thus solidifying the patriarchal and misogynistic culture and customs that even civilized societies are not immune to. In these situations, raising awareness and influencing vulnerable communities is very difficult and requires more effort from activists in this field.

Sexism is a prevalent issue against women in Iran, in areas such as employment, establishing friendships with the opposite gender, dress code, types of leisure activities, inheritance laws, and overall lifestyle and basic human rights. It has become deeply ingrained and accepted in the culture and beliefs of citizens. This article will briefly address the issue of women’s deprivation of the right to employment.

In most Iranian families, men are the breadwinners. In the absence of a spouse or father for any reason, the responsibility and burden of economic problems falls solely on the shoulders of male siblings, sons, or close male relatives. This mindset not only leads to unequal job opportunities, but also minimizes the chances for women to advance in their careers and receive benefits such as promotions, salary increases, and important job positions, ultimately violating their right to employment and creating gaps and financial problems. This violation of their right to employment traps women in problems beyond financial issues, such as lack of independence, economic activity, and financial dependence. Their effective presence and participation in society decreases, their self-confidence diminishes, their talents are silenced, they become housebound, and they feel passive, useless, and unproductive. This situation may seem to only affect women, but it also harbors sexism against men. It is necessary to emphasize that this way of thinking harms women more than men.
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The negative consequences of the mindset of “breadwinner” in men.

One of the negative consequences of this mindset is that if a man is unable to provide for the financial needs of his family, society will label him with derogatory terms that break down his character. How many men have taken their own lives out of shame and sorrow for their inability to provide for their children’s education and expenses, as evidenced by the news in the media.

The negative consequences of unequal distribution of job opportunities in favor of men and against women.

Men and even women who oppose women’s employment often use excuses and play with words that undermine the concept of gender equality, while pretending to be loving and caring towards women. Women are told that it is men’s responsibility to take on difficult tasks and that women should live a life of comfort and ease without having to endure any hardships. Putting these words into action, under the guise of love and female domination, results in women in these societies and households lacking the experience of employment. During marriage, a certain amount of money, called “mahr,” is given to women as a means of supporting them in case of potential divorce and other similar situations, and also as a way to cover up the injustice and discrimination against women. This “mahr” is a form of humiliation and degradation for women, and half of it is paid in exchange for the woman’s virginity, serving as a valuation of her worth. The amount of “mahr” varies depending on the financial situation, education, and

On the other hand, women’s needs are not always provided by men and sometimes men may refuse to fulfill this responsibility that society has imposed on them, for various reasons such as illness, accident, death, etc. In these circumstances, the unequal and non-standard distribution of job opportunities for women causes serious and destructive damages and multiplies their problems and difficulties. Under the ruthless dominance of men, women who are the heads of households and female members of poor or impoverished families face numerous challenges in finding employment, and often end up with low-paying and unsuitable jobs that do not match their skills and professions.

Women, even when employed, are not immune to gender and sexual insecurities and various forms of discrimination in the workplace; of course, these issues are separate topics that are preferred to be addressed separately and in detail.

In many cases, when women give birth to a child, an excuse and a document are provided for men and women to promote the prohibition of women’s employment. In these situations, even if the husband does not refer to his legal rights to prohibit women from employment – a law that is not accepted by civil society and human rights – it is often said that from now on, the woman must give up economic activities and work outside the home and spend all her time on child-rearing and housekeeping in order to be a good and responsible mother, and if she does not comply, she will be considered an unfit mother. This is while under no circumstances should the right of women to choose be ignored and instead, decision-making or a specific decision should not be imposed on them in any way. Many women successfully balance child-rearing with their profession.

Perhaps these mentioned cases are related to the past in the eyes of the reader, and nowadays these behaviors are less seen. But the reality is that even many modern families are trapped in sexist and misogynistic thoughts, without realizing the nature of their thoughts and actions influenced by them.