General Discussion

AI -

In STEM broadly: Iran has one of the highest proportions of women in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields globally. Commonly cited figures (from sources like UNESCO-influenced reports, Forbes archives, and Iranian official data) indicate that around 70% of graduates in science and engineering are women — far higher than in the US or many other places. (Note: Some global datasets show lower overall STEM figures around 35%, but the 70% often refers specifically to certain science/engineering subfields like biology, medicine, and pure sciences, where women dominate.)

- University education: Women constitute over 60% of university students overall in Iran, with very strong representation in professional doctorate programs (around 58%, similar to or exceeding the US).

Iranian women have made notable contributions and achievements in these areas, despite various societal and political challenges. Examples include:

- Maryam Mirzakhani — The late mathematician who became the first woman (and first Iranian) to win the Fields Medal (math's highest honor, often compared to a Nobel).
- Many women among Iran's most-cited researchers (e.g., over 130 Iranian women in the global top 1% most-cited in recent years, especially in clinical medicine, biology, chemistry, and related fields).
- Recent recognitions (e.g., in 2025): Scientists like Sepideh Mirzaei-Varzeghani (cancer research), Sara Pahlavan (stem cell/heart regeneration), and Bibi Fatemeh Haghiralsadat (nanobiotechnology) gaining international awards and attention.
- Other prominent figures: Zahra Emam-Jomeh (food science, often called "Iran's Marie Curie&quot , and many in nanomedicine, regenerative medicine, and biotechnology.

This high participation in education and professional fields like medicine and science stands in contrast to restrictions women face in other aspects of life in Iran, creatin