Iran (Islamic Republic of)

The first female candidate was registered for the upcoming presidential election in Iran, the Fars News Agency reported.

 "The main obstacle for post-revolutionary Arab women is a "patriarchal culture" that imposes a false interpretation on Islam."

Some of the detained Iranian human rights activists were released on the International Women's Day. However, three women activists are still remaining in jail as reported by the Middle East Times.

Four women activists were arrested in Iran while collecting signitures for the campaign demanding changes in the discriminatory laws against women.

The deputy head of Tehran's police Hossein Sadjedi-Nia warned that women "dressed up like models" with overly short mantos (coats), tight outer garments, and inadequate headscarves would face being apprehended in the crackdown.

Iran's conservative government is encouraging doctors and nurses to treat patients only of the same gender in a bid to bring healthcare in line with its Islamic laws.