Tens of thousands of women in Iceland, among them the Prime Minister, united in a powerful demonstration of a 24-hour strike on Tuesday. Their collective action served as a resounding protest against gender inequality, a pressing concern that transcends borders and impacts societies worldwide. This monumental strike, which reached every corner of Iceland, had a significant impact, causing the closure or reduced hours of operation in schools and libraries. Female employees opted to stay home, while hospitals focused solely on emergency cases.
Prime Minister Katrin Jakobsdottir, 47 years old, lent her voice and presence to this crucial movement by choosing not to go to work on Tuesday. She expressed her growing frustration with the gradual pace of progress in the fight for gender equality, emphasizing that change is essential, both domestically and on the global stage. Jakobsdottir, during an interview with the Ras 1 public radio station, highlighted the sobering reality that achieving gender equality could take as long as 300 years when considering the state of affairs worldwide.
The strike, organized under the rallying cry "Do you call this equality?" was an inclusive endeavor, encompassing Icelandic women and non-binary individuals. Their goals included addressing disparities in pay relative to men, combatting gender-based violence, and shedding light on the often-overlooked domain of unpaid work, particularly childcare, which predominantly burdens women.
This protest resonates as a historic and resounding call to action. It marks the first full-day strike since the momentous women's strike of nearly half a century ago in 1975 when 90% of Icelandic women halted their work to demand gender equality. Thorgerdur Katrin Gunnarsdottir, 58, an Icelandic lawmaker, underlined the importance of the occasion, celebrating the legacy of their predecessors who championed equality. The overarching message from Iceland is clear: unity is essential in the pursuit of equality, justice, and freedom.
Iceland, with a population of fewer than 400,000, has garnered international acclaim for its progressive stance on gender equality. The nation has achieved the remarkable feat of topping the World Economic Forum's gender gap index for 14 consecutive years. However, even in a country with such a robust track record, gender disparities persist. According to Statistics Iceland, women in certain industries and professions continue to earn at least 20% less than their male counterparts.
A participant in the strike, Sonja Rut Adalsteinsdottir, 41, who works for a company manufacturing equipment for the food industry, highlighted the broader significance of the event. She expressed gratitude for working in an environment that upholds equal pay for both women and men. However, she made it clear that her participation was motivated by a deep-seated concern for her daughters and all women across Iceland.
Local reports indicated an impressive turnout of 70,000 to 100,000 participants in this landmark strike. These numbers underscore the deep resonance of the issue and the unity of purpose among Icelandic women.
A recent study by the University of Iceland revealed that 40% of Icelandic women experience gender-based and sexual violence at some point in their lives, underscoring the urgency of addressing this issue. As one of the organizers of the strike, Freyja Steingrimsdottir, and the communications director for the Icelandic Federation for Public Workers, aptly put it, "We're seeking to bring attention to the fact that we're called an equality paradise, but there are still gender disparities and an urgent need for action." She drew attention to the undervaluation and underpayment in female-dominated fields such as healthcare services and childcare, stressing the need for change.
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