This study aimed to evaluate the policy gap in the development programs of the Islamic Republic of Iran and the situation of women's higher education in realizing fair opportunities for women's higher education between 1996 and 2016. Using a quantitative approach and secondary analysis method, an analysis of existing statistics and documents was conducted. The findings showed that although the presence of women in higher education has grown significantly, the policy gap and lack of operational mechanisms have hindered the realization of gender justice in higher education and employment. Although the first to third programs generally focused on the need to expand higher education and increase citizen participation, the share of women among students and graduates increased significantly in 1996 and 2016, but experienced a slight decrease in 2006. In general, in development programs, women's education and employment policies, due to their holistic approach, did not have specific operational mechanisms regarding gender justice. Such a situation led to a kind of quantitative growth without considering gender justice in academic majors, educational levels and the employment market, especially in the composition of university faculty members. Therefore, in order for women to play a real role in the higher education system and community development and achieve gender justice, Also, the analysis of prospective scenarios shows that achieving sustainable gender equity requires a transition from merely quantitative development of higher education. it is necessary to rethink the structures and policies of education and employment to strengthen the developmental role of women.