Marjane Satrapi's experience in Persepolis is largely relevant to the ideas of masculinity and femininity. Marjane is forced to grow up in an Islamic society that places women and all things feminine in a lesser category than normal human. Satrapi is forced to continually live with others telling her what to do. Being a woman, she is forced to cover any part of her that may be considered "obscene" (aka everything). Because of her femininity, she is not allowed the rights and freedoms of men - she may not use luxury items (such as lipstick) common to women while similar restrictions are not placed on men. Because Satrapi is a liberal woman, her peers look down on her for not being more appropriate. Satrapi must guard her actions, many of which she may be punished for because she is feminine, while men would not be punished for the same actions.
The idea of masculinity is also emphasized in the world around Satrapi. As Islam rises, only men are allowed to be in positions of power. Thus, a world is created where the masculine control the feminine. The change of power is what turns Satrapi's world into one where femininity becomes a greater issue.
The issues created by "masculinity" vs. "femininity" are not entirely removed when Satrapi visits countries outside of Iran. When she goes to a catholic school, Satrapi is influenced now by "nuns", feminine and chosen appropriately to deal specifically with ladies, such as Satrapi. Satrapi's depression at this point is also caused by the concept of masculinity. Though there is nothing abnormal in attraction, her attraction to Markus was a side effect of masculinity/femininity. Her world fell down because Markus was cheating on her, and thus Satrapi's unhappiness stemmed from these issues.
Even though the concepts of masculinity and femininity created more imminent troubles for Satrapi in Iran, these concepts influenced her life no matter where she went.