Explained: Iceland PM Joins Historic Women's Strike To Protest Over Pay Gap

Iceland, often hailed as a bastion of gender equality, is now embarking on an audacious endeavour to eradicate the last vestiges of workplace inequality.

This Nordic nation, celebrated for its breathtaking landscapes and resilient spirit, has long been recognised for its pioneering efforts in gender equality. However, there's more to the story than meets the eye. Despite the remarkable strides made, Iceland is pushing the boundaries further.

The event marked a historic reawakening of the women's strike movement, the last of which occurred in 1975, known as "kvennafrí" or "women's day off," and led to pivotal changes, including the election of the world's first female president.

The Call for a Momentous Strike

On a significant Tuesday in Iceland, women and nonbinary individuals paused their daily routines, including household chores and childcare, in a remarkable show of unity. Even Prime Minister Katrín Jakobsdóttir joined the ranks, demonstrating her commitment to this cause. In the shadow of gender wage disparities and pay inequalities, this strike resonated with the resounding call, "Women: Take the day off."

The protest didn't merely focus on the gender pay gap but also shone a light on the pervasive issue of violence against women, emphasising that true equality demands addressing every facet of discrimination.

#WomenForPeace pic.twitter.com/LnroFxJDHh

— Katrín Jakobsdóttir (@katrinjak) October 22, 2023

This isn't the first time Iceland has embraced the concept of a women's strike. The year 1975 witnessed a historic women's day off, where 90% of Icelandic women refused to work, setting in motion a series of transformative changes, including the election of the world's first female president. However, the organisers of this latest strike, some of whom were instrumental in the 1975 event, argue that the fundamental demand for gender equality in the workforce remains unmet even 48 years later.

Iceland's Contradictory Reality

Iceland may top global gender equality rankings and tout itself as a paragon of gender equality, having dominated the World Economic Forum's global gender gap rankings for the 14th consecutive year. But a deeper look reveals a stark contradiction. In certain professions, Icelandic women still earn 21% less than their male counterparts, while over 40% of women have experienced gender-based or sexual violence.

Jobs traditionally associated with women, such as cleaning and caregiving, continue to be undervalued and underpaid. The stark realities of a 21% wage gap and high rates of gender-based violence do not align with the ideals women worldwide are striving for. Iceland bears a global reputation for gender equality, and therefore, it bears the responsibility of living up to these expectations.

"Kallarðu þetta jafnrétti?" - You call This Equality?

The women's strike operates under the striking slogan "Kallarðu þetta jafnrétti?" which translates to "You call this equality?" This momentous event is the outcome of a grassroots movement meticulously planned by approximately 40 different organizations. Women and non-binary individuals across Iceland have been urged to abstain from both paid and unpaid work on this day, including domestic tasks at home, as a profound demonstration of their irreplaceable role in society.

However, it's worth noting that some have already embarked on preparations to ensure the smooth running of essential services during the strike. This is a call to break free from the tradition of making it easier for men during women's absence. It's a stance that highlights the urgency for lasting change.

Connecting the dots between gender-based violence and pay gap

This strike not only spotlights gender-based violence and the undervalued labor of women but also draws a crucial connection between the two. Drífa Snædal, an executive committee member of the women's strike and a spokesperson for Stígamót, a counselling and education centre for sexual violence, pointed out the profound influence of increased access to pornography among children on violence against women.

Women's status in society and their value in the workplace are intertwined with the prevalence of sexual violence, revealing a disturbing cycle. The #MeToo movement and other calls for equality in Iceland have been resounding, yet justice for victims of sexual violence still eludes them. The women of Iceland are demonstrating that their patience has worn thin and that the time for change is now.

Iceland's first full-day women's strike in 48 years is a powerful and resounding call for gender equality and an end to gender-based violence. It serves as a bold reminder that even in the most reputed nations for gender equality, there is still work to be done. The world watches with anticipation as Iceland's women rise, forging a path toward a more equitable future.

Impact on Services and Support

The strike's impact rippled through various sectors. Urgent and emergency healthcare services maintained their operation, but other services, including those at Iceland's largest healthcare employer, Landspitali hospital, were significantly curtailed. With women comprising a majority of teachers, schools either shortened their hours or closed. Even Iceland's national broadcaster, RÚV, expected its staff to join the strike. Organizers went a step further, encouraging women to report employers who discouraged their participation, and challenging institutions to stand up for equality.

A historic gathering for change

This strike was a historic event, with at least 25,000 people expected to gather in Reykjavík city center and many more joining in 10 other locations across the country. It became the largest women's strike in Iceland's history. Prime Minister  Katrín Jakobsdóttir has vowed to halt her office's operations, emphasizing her solidarity with Icelandic women and the urgency of this moment.

Unlike the 1975 strike, this event is inclusive of both women and non-binary individuals, underscoring that they are all fighting the same battle against the entrenched patriarchy. The strike is advocating for the gender pay gap to be addressed by making wages in female-dominant professions public and for more vigorous action against gender-based and sexual violence, with an intensified focus on the perpetrators.

Impact on Services and Support

The strike's impact rippled through various sectors. Urgent and emergency healthcare services maintained their operation, but other services, including those at Iceland's largest healthcare employer, Landspitali Hospital, were significantly curtailed. With women comprising a majority of teachers, schools either shortened their hours or closed. Even Iceland's national broadcaster, RÚV, expected its staff to join the strike. Organisers went a step further, encouraging women to report employers who discouraged their participation, challenging institutions to stand up for equality.

Corporate Support for the Cause

While Iceland's journey to gender equality faces impediments, there is heartening corporate support. Major companies like Marel, a supplier of services and software for food-processing firms, encouraged female and nonbinary employees to strike, offering full compensation. Their actions underscore that equality is not only a matter of policy but also a commitment to tangible change.

As Iceland takes this bold step toward gender equality through a one-day strike, it sends a message to the world. The country acknowledges its legacy, celebrates its achievements and confronts its challenges head-on. Gender equality is an ongoing journey, and Iceland's determination is an example to the enduring spirit of equality. While the world watches, Iceland remains steadfast, demonstrating that progress may be slow, but the commitment to change is unwavering.

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