Zahra Behrouz Azar, Vice President for Women and Family Affairs, announced that Iranian women are responsible for 24% of the country’s registered inventions—significantly exceeding the global average of 14–17%.
Women Leading Innovation in Iran
Speaking at the national conference of provincial and central directors of the Technical and Vocational Training Organization in Karaj, Zahra Behrouz Azar highlighted the crucial role women play in the country’s development. “Today, women and men are the two wings of national progress, and we must give special attention to women’s capacities,” she stated.
Education and Healthcare: A Female Majority
Behrouz Azar presented notable statistics showcasing the expanding role of women in academia and healthcare:
- Women account for 53% of university students
- Over 61% of this year’s university entrants are female
- More than 70% of the country’s healthcare workforce is comprised of women
“These figures reflect the increasing presence and influence of women in key sectors,” she said.
Iranian Women Outperform Global Innovation Rates
Behrouz Azar emphasized that while globally, women contribute to 14–17% of inventions, in Iran, that figure stands at 24%. “This demonstrates the belief Iranian women have in their own capabilities—they are able, they are talented, and they are proving it,” she affirmed.
Boosting Women’s Job Skills: A Strategic Priority
As part of Iran’s Seventh Development Plan, Behrouz Azar stated that one of the administration’s core mandates is to enhance women’s job skills. “Our duty is to eliminate barriers to the growth and empowerment of Iranian women. We believe that, with the collaboration of women themselves, we can identify and overcome these obstacles. That is what we call national consensus,” she explained.
Developing Skills for Entrepreneurship
She emphasized that entrepreneurship hinges on the development of three essential skill sets:
- Foundational Skills – including communication, critical thinking, and conflict resolution
- Technical and Technological Skills – necessary for modern industries
- Business and Entrepreneurial Skills – key for launching and sustaining ventures
“Wherever women go, they drive transformation and innovation. To foster that in the entrepreneurial education system, we must include all three skill sets in the curriculum,” she said.
Empowering Women Along the Entire Value Chain
According to Behrouz Azar, it is equally important to support women in applying these skills practically. “We must help them discover careers they are passionate about and put their training to use. This includes strengthening every link in the entrepreneurial chain—from financing and logistics to digital economy infrastructure.”
From: irna