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Since the 1990s, there has been an overall increase in women's participation in education in Iran. However, unlike in other countries, the increase in the number of educated women has not been matched by a similar rise in participation in the labour market. This chapter explores some of the reasons behind this paradox. It concludes that key factors producing this paradoxical situation appears to lie in a fluctuation of state support of women's education and employment following political and economic change, a lack of flexibility in the curriculum that women can pursue, a lack of opportunities and work-based learning for women to make the most of their talents outside the public domain, and a a lack of childcare and work-related welfare/support policies. Changes to allow greater flexibility when entering the labour market, more continuing education that opens up entrepreneurial possibilities and better links between universities and employers are recommended. Show less