Reconstructing justice: Moving from deficits to assets

In relation to the inequality experienced by Iranian women with sexual dysfunction, several positive aspects emerge from their intersectional identity, highlighting community-level and individual assets, cultural practices, and resilience. Media programs, particularly those integrating religious teachings, play a significant role in shaping sexual well-being [10]. Programs like "Golbarg," endorsed by clergies, offer crucial sex education tailored to cultural and religious contexts, helping couples better understand and respect each other’s sexual needs [10]. This fosters mutual responsibility and enhances satisfaction within marriages. The Global Study of Sexual Attitudes and Behaviors also indicates that people in the Middle East are more likely to seek help from religious advisers for sexual problems, suggesting a culturally embedded practice of turning to religious authorities for guidance on sexual matters [17]. Furthermore, Iranian women exhibit remarkable resilience by engaging with these educational resources despite societal constraints. They often rely on supportive networks, such as midwives and female health workers, who provide a safe space for discussing sexual issues, thus improving their sexual well-being [14]. From transitioning from deficits to assets, examining Iranian women's resilience and their ability to contribute positively to society despite the risks posed by sexual dysfunction is vital. In addition, it is important to consider the respect Iranian women have for their own cultural beliefs. Trust in religion can help people find inner peace and tranquility, reducing stress and anxiety while promoting emotional stability and mental health. However, it is important to recognize that state media may also reinforce cultural scripts that emphasize men's happiness over mutual satisfaction, leading some women to adopt self-silencing strategies. Despite these challenges, the culturally consistent education and support systems available to Iranian women through the media play a crucial role in promoting sexual health and resilience.

Iranian women are put under stressors from their cultural beliefs and practices to follow sexual scripts and traditional gender roles that are promoted by androcentric beliefs. With thorough intersectional research that centers on Iranian women, we learned about the assets they hold in their communities and how they are empowered in their positions. Iranian women experience sexual inequality at different levels such as interpersonal, community, and societal, which highlights traditional sexual scripts as playing a passive role in the sexual life. In addition, the prevalence of female sexual dysfunction among nonmenopausal Iranian women underscores the intersectionality of discrimination and structural barriers. There are promising strategies to enhance sexual well-being for Iranian women with sexual dysfunction such as positive perspectives from churches and more accessibility of sexual education. Addressing cultural stigma and improving access to education are vital steps in promoting equitable sexual well-being for the population. Addressing societal and religious influences can also empower Iranian women to assert their sexual agency, fostering healthier, more equitable relationships and benefiting society as a whole.