Icelandic Prime Minister Takes Stand on Gender Pay Disparity

Thousands of women in Iceland, including Prime Minister Katrín Jakobsdóttir, are participating in a strike, known as “kvennafrí,” to protest against the gender pay gap and gender-based violence. Sectors predominantly staffed by women, such as healthcare and education, are being notably affected.

This strike is the first of its kind since 1975. The prime minister highlighted the government’s efforts to address the undervaluation of female-dominated professions compared to male-dominated fields.

While Iceland is globally recognized for its strides in gender equality, challenges persist, and the country ranks 14th worldwide in economic participation.

The 1975 strike played a pivotal role in shaping Iceland’s path towards gender equality, ultimately leading to the passage of an equal pay law. Former President Vigdís Finnbogadóttir regarded the strike as a crucial milestone in Iceland’s progress towards women’s emancipation.

Picture Courtesy: Google/images are subject to copyright