In a powerful display of solidarity, tens of thousands of Icelandic women, including the Prime Minister, Katrin Jakobsdottir, went on a 24-hour strike to demand gender equality and to raise their voices against gender-based violence.
A Unified Call for Equality
The strike served as a poignant protest against gender inequality, with a strong focus on addressing the pay gap between men and women. It also aimed to shed light on gender-based violence and the often-unrecognized burden of unpaid work, primarily childcare, which predominantly falls on women.
A Slow Pace of Progress
Prime Minister Katrin Jakobsdottir, a 47-year-old advocate for gender equality, joined the strike and expressed her dissatisfaction with the sluggish pace of change both within Iceland and worldwide. She highlighted that the fight for true gender equality could take up to 300 years when examining the global perspective.
A Historic Moment
This protest, organized under the slogan “Do you call this equality?” was significant as it marked the first full-day strike since an inaugural women’s event nearly half a century ago. In 1975, an impressive 90% of Icelandic women refused to work in order to protest against gender inequality. This historic event became a symbol of women’s collective strength and their unyielding commitment to equality.
Thorgerdur Katrin Gunnarsdottir, a 58-year-old Icelandic lawmaker, emphasized the importance of unity in the struggle for equality. She highlighted the need for justice and freedom, sending a resounding message from Iceland: women must stand together to bring about the changes they seek.
Iceland’s Progressive Stance
Iceland, with a population of fewer than 400,000, has earned a reputation as one of the world’s most progressive nations concerning gender equality. For 14 consecutive years, it has ranked first in the World Economic Forum’s gender gap index. However, this strike underscored that progress is still needed, particularly in industries and professions where women earn at least 20% less than their male counterparts, according to Statistics Iceland.
The collective action of Icelandic women and their Prime Minister serves as a reminder that the fight for gender equality is an ongoing battle, even in societies that have made significant strides. The strike symbolizes the determination of women to continue pushing for a more equitable world where gender-based disparities are eradicated.