Iran

Religious context

Main faith groups:

Shia Muslim (90-95%)

The constitution states that Islam is the official state religion, and states that Shia Jafari is the official religion. The constitution provides that "other Islamic denominations are to be accorded full respect”.
Christianity, Judaism, Zoroastrianism, and the Sunni branch of Islam are officially recognized by the government, and have reserved seats in the Iranian Parliament.

Key
Implementing

Partners

Main Faith-Based Organization Partners: Mofid University

Main government affiliates: Ministry of Justice; Child Protection Unit

Main

Initiatives

Priorities: Education; Gender Equality; Health; Social Protection

Social and Behaviour Change

Expected:

Adolescent girls, specifically from vulnerable groups (out of school, lower economic situation, migrant and from specific ethnic groups) at risk of and affected by child marriage are better able to express and exercise their choices
Households demonstrate positive attitudes and behaviours towards investing in and supporting adolescent girls and not forcing them to marry
Community religious leaders and religious institutions advise against marriage of girls below 18, and promote adolescents girls (not married, married, pregnant, divorced) education, protection and equity
School administration and students show positive attitudes to presence of married and pregnant girls at school.
Government engages with religious policymakers, leaders and institutions and supports generation and use of robust data, scientific and religious evidence to inform policy and programming, track progress and document lessons
Families reached by government schemes (transfers to families, indirectly benefiting girls, by relieving economic pressures driving child marriage)
Education, health and protection services and systems are strengthened to provide services to adolescent girls, at risk of marriage, married, divorced or pregnant