In a powerful display of solidarity and determination, tens of thousands of Icelandic women are participating in the first full-day women’s strike in nearly half a century. This remarkable show of unity, known as kvennafrí or “women’s day off,” encompasses paid and unpaid work and aims to shed light on the persisting gender pay gap and gender-based violence plaguing Nordic society. Led by Prime Minister Katrín Jakobsdóttir, this movement reflects a collective call for change and reaffirms Iceland’s commitment to gender equality in the 21st century.
A Historic Turning Point:
The origins of the kvennafrí date back to October 24, 1975, when an astonishing 90% of Icelandic women abstained from work and household duties. The impact of that national strike was far-reaching, sparking legislative transformations that propelled gender parity forward. A year later, Iceland passed an equal pay law, underscoring the nation’s unwavering commitment to gender equality. Additionally, in 1980, Iceland proudly became the first country in the world to elect a female head of state, marking a significant milestone for women’s rights worldwide.
Unveiling Persistent Inequalities:
Despite being ranked first in the world by the World Economic Forum for gender equality consistently over the past 14 years, Iceland is not immune to the systemic undervaluation and underpayment of women in traditionally female-dominated occupations. Professions such as cleaning, childcare, and caregiving continue to face disparities in recognition and remuneration. The World Economic Forum identifies Iceland’s median wage gap between genders at 21%, while alternate sources like the OECD contend that it hovers closer to 10%, still wider than other European countries like Belgium and Italy.
The Unyielding Demands:
This resurgence of the women’s strike emphasizes the persistent impacts of systemic wage discrimination and advocates for the eradication of gender-based violence. The organizers of the strike assert that these issues must be tackled head-on as a collective effort. As voices rise in unison against these societal ailments, the resulting impact is the closure of streets, schools, and even the postponement of parliamentary sessions for the day.
Wide-ranging Participation:
With an estimated 90% of women expected to participate, the strike encompasses a diverse range of industries and sectors. From the healthcare workers to teachers, service professionals to finance experts, caregivers to energy workers, the strike resonates within every major workforce sector in Iceland. The Icelandic Federation for Public Workers, along with 31 associations, lends their support, ensuring a broad representation of voices in this monumental event.
Implications for Key Sectors:
The strike is expected to have a profound impact on sectors predominantly employing women, notably healthcare and education. In Iceland, 94% of all kindergarten teachers are women, underlining the crucial role they play in shaping the country’s early education system. Similarly, 80% of the workforce in the National University Hospital of Iceland, the largest hospital in the country, comprises women. As these sectors temporarily cease their operations, the strike amplifies the indispensable contributions of women and highlights the urgent need for gender equality.
Icelandic women’s resolute commitment to equality, showcased through the revival of the kvennafrí, serves as a testament to the nation’s unwavering pursuit of gender parity. By shedding light on the persistent gender pay gap and gender-based violence, this strike firmly demands transformative change. As Prime Minister Katrín Jakobsdóttir passionately asserts, Iceland must strive to meet its goals of full gender equality, eliminating the unacceptable wage gap in this modern era. In unity and solidarity, this historic movement propels Iceland toward the ultimate objective of a more just and equitable society for all.
Market Capital Research 