"Islamic laws for women have more to do with male politics than the benefit they bring to our society’s morals." A group of progressive female teenagers discuss the disadvantages of growing up as a girl teenager in Iran. Going out becomes a game of chase. The guys can’t be seen to make contact with the women but as in other countries, they’re all trying to. They have to avoid the baseeji, the revolutionary police, who make sure the citizens respect Islamic laws. The consequences of falling foul of the baseeji are serious. "Me and my sister were walking home from school. When we were stopped I told the baseeji she was my sister. He punched me in the mouth." At the holy city of Qom, Iran’s most devout powerhouse for Islam, the religious leaders tell us why it’s so important to keep women in their place. And undeniably there are also women happy for the freedom Islamic dress offers them from unwanted male attention. A female gynecologist spells out that point of view. At 6 years of age young Betar is about to cross the Islamic threshold. From 6 years of age all Iranian women must cover up and be segregated from the boys. Her friends one year older are to the very last girl, fully covered by the ubiquitous Iranian head scarf.

Produced by ABC Australia