As you know, women outnumber men in university, and the rate of literacy in the country is over 90%. So, compared with other neighbouring countries, the population in general is educated.
In terms of women's issues, we face a patriarchal attitude, which is a global issue—it's not just for Iran—on one side. On the other side, because we have an Islamic government inside the country—and I believe patriarchy is rooted in all institutions, including religion—religion is used as a tool to justify this discrimination against women. We see discrimination at all levels, and it is embedded in our laws.
There has been discrimination against women, but women are not silent. Women have been active agents for change inside Iran. We have powerful women's movements. You've seen so many vocal women inside the country.
Actually, in terms of education, during the time we were in power, we lifted restrictions on women's education, but now the current government wants to say that there are certain majors for women, and certain so-called male majors, such as mining, and so on. They want to actually limit women's access to those so-called male majors.
Also, they are trying to put another quota for men. Usually in the international community we talk about quotas for women, to give more access to women. Because women outnumber men at university—and there is an entrance exam for public colleges—the government actually wants to limit women's access. They have started with medical schools, where the number of women admitted is limited to 50%, not higher. They don't want to admit more than 50% women.
Right now the country is shifting its anti-natalist policy, which was implemented in 1992, to a pro-natalist policy. The Supreme Leader is advocating for that. He is pushing for a pro-natalist policy. That means we will face another layer of discrimination due to a pro-natalist policy.
The deputy president for women's affairs is one of the great women in the country. I would say that women's rights activists really tried hard to convince President Rouhani to appoint this lady. She is a lawyer. I believe that because President Rouhani feels pressure from women, he will be kept accountable by women's rights activists to meet his promises on women's issues.