In a powerful display of unity, women and nonbinary individuals across Iceland, including Prime Minister Katrin Jakobsdottir, recently participated in a one-day strike to protest gender inequality. Organized by the Icelandic Federation of Public Workers, the strike aimed to bring attention to the persisting gender pay gap and the undervaluation of women’s work.
On the day of the strike, tens of thousands of people, including a quarter of Iceland’s population, walked off their jobs, refusing to engage in any work, paid or unpaid. The strike not only encompassed professional duties but also household errands and childcare. Freyja Steingrímsdóttir, the communications director for the Icelandic Federation of Public Workers, highlighted the noticeable impact, with closed stores, limited services, and a distinct change in traffic as only men were seen driving.
The strike’s slogan, “You call this equality?” challenged Iceland’s top-ranking status in gender equality indexes. Despite the country’s notable achievements, the organizers emphasized that these indexes often overlook issues such as gender-based and sexual violence, affecting almost 40% of Icelandic women. The focus also extended to the wage gap, primarily influenced by the undervaluation of women’s work in sectors like healthcare, childcare, and cleaning.
The strike drew attention to the burden of unpaid labor that women bear, affecting their earnings and perpetuating the wage gap. By emphasizing the importance of recognizing and addressing this issue, the organizers aimed to dismantle the societal structures that contribute to gender inequality.
This strike follows a legacy of activism in Iceland, with the first full-day strike for gender equality taking place almost 50 years ago. Freyja Steingrímsdóttir expressed hope for change within the decade, echoing Prime Minister Katrin Jakobsdottir’s vision of achieving full gender equality. Despite progress, the fight continues, with the hope that future generations will not need to repeat such strikes.
The strike has garnered attention beyond Iceland’s borders, showcasing the country’s commitment to addressing gender inequality. Organized by groups like the Icelandic Feminist Initiative, Women in Film and Tech, and the Delta Kappa Gamma Society International, the movement extends an invitation to men to stand in solidarity by filling in for women at work and at home.
Iceland’s recent national strike stands as a testament to the collective will to address gender inequality comprehensively. By challenging societal norms and shedding light on overlooked issues, the participants send a powerful message that resonates both nationally and internationally. As Iceland continues to lead the charge for gender equality, the hope is that such strikes will become unnecessary in the years to come.
If you’re interested in reading (or listening) to more about this topic, check out these articles:
https://www.npr.org/2023/10/25/1208577504/gender-inequality-protesters-in-iceland-refused-to-do-work-for-a-day-even-child
https://www.npr.org/2023/10/24/1208264449/iceland-women-nonbinary-strike
or this podcast:
https://www.wbur.org/hereandnow/2023/10/25/iceland-womens-strike