Sex segregation in Iran

Sex segregation in Iran encompasses practices derived from the conservative dogma of Shiite Islam currently taking place in Iran. Most areas of the country are segregated by sex, except universities. In many cities, there are women parks. Sex segregation prohibits males from viewing females, and age of consent laws do not exist, as all sexual activity outside marriage is illegal. UN experts have denounced Iran for enforcing gender apartheid.^[1]

After the Islamic Revolution in 1979 an emphasis on sex segregation of public places was increased. All schools are segregated by sex for students and their teachers. Beaches and pools are segregated by sex as requested by national law. Pre-marital relationships between boys and girls have been banned. Certain parts of Iranian society, primarily in wealthy urban neighborhoods, have accepted relationships between unmarried individuals.^[2]

Tehran metro has special wagons specific to females. In recent years males have often attempted to break the law, and in present times there have been cases of men entering female wagons. There are many women-only parks all over the country and all beauty salons prohibit the entry of men and boys. Due to high sex segregation in the past, Iranian mothers typically chose a wife for their son, and largely continue to do so.