Island Nations: Similarities and Divergences

Iceland and Ireland share several characteristics. Both are island nations with a history of emigration to the U.S. and economic reliance on it. Both also boast stunning landscapes and have strong fishing and farming traditions. Both have transitioned from hardship to developed economies in the last century. However,the differences between the two nations are significant,especially concerning gender equality.

While ireland appointed only three women to a 15-member cabinet, Iceland’s political landscape reflects a more equitable distribution of power. This raises the question: How has iceland achieved such progress in gender equality, not only in society but also in politics?

A Visit to Bessastaðir: Insights from the President

To understand Iceland’s success, a visit to bessastaðir, the official residence of the Icelandic president on the Álftanes peninsula near Reykjavik, provides valuable insights. Halla Tómasdóttir, the president of Iceland, emphasizes the connection between Iceland and Ireland, stating, “I’ve always felt like we are kindred spirits, the Irish and the Icelandic.” She also notes her friendship with Mary Robinson,who was inspired by Vigdís Finnbogadóttir,Iceland’s and the world’s first democratically elected female president,elected in 1980.

Tómasdóttir highlights the importance of role models, saying, “It just shows that, even for role models, it matters to have role models.” She was 11 years old when Finnbogadóttir was elected, a moment that challenged stereotypes. She recalls a joke at the time: children born after Finnbogadóttir’s election would ask, “can men be a president?”

The Pivotal Women’s Day Off

Tómasdóttir credits a significant event for Iceland’s progress: the Kvennafrídagurinn or Women’s Day Off, on october 24, 1975. On this day, 90% of Icelandic women stopped working, leaving their workplaces and homes to protest in Reykjavik. Tómasdóttir explains, “What, to me, is the most critically vital reason for why Iceland has achieved 50 years of leading the world and closing the gender gap is the fact that women in Iceland had the courage, the solidarity and the joyful, disobedient streak to take a day off in 1975 and paralyze the country.”

She adds, “That was the day when we woke up to how poorly the country functions when women are not at work, in the home or in the workplace.”

Recalling the event, Tómasdóttir, who was seven at the time, says, “I was seven when that happened, and it was on my mother’s birthday, so I really remember it.Husbands were put in charge that day. Hot dogs sold out in the country. It was a really strange experience.

‘Husbands were put in charge that day. hot dogs sold out in the country. It was a really strange experience’

The Women’s Day off led to significant political changes. “after that, we had an all-women political party that started to shift all political parties. And so I stand on the shoulders of all these women. This is a long history of many brave women,” Tómasdóttir notes.

the Importance of Representation and Infrastructure

Tómasdóttir emphasizes the importance of women’s representation at the highest levels of government. “I think it’s critical. I also know from research that 30pc is an important threshold. That’s when the dynamics start to shift.” She believes women bring unique qualities to government and business, describing it as “capitalism with care.” She notes that the new coalition government hugged rather of shaking hands when they agreed their manifesto.”

She also highlights the importance of infrastructural investments, particularly in childcare. “What has been absolutely critical in Iceland is that we had the foresight to really build childcare infrastructure. Than we took another massive step in 2001, when we granted equal parental leave to men and women.I think this was groundbreaking.” Currently, each parent in iceland receives six months of paid leave when a child is born, with six weeks transferable between the parents.

Iceland stands as a beacon of gender equality, a nation where women hold prominent positions in government and society. this remarkable progress stems from a pivotal moment in 1975 when Icelandic women staged a nationwide strike, demanding equal rights and recognition. The impact of this strike reverberates through the decades, shaping policies and fostering a culture where women’s contributions are valued and supported. Today,Iceland boasts a female president,Halla Tómasdóttir,and a newly-elected prime minister,Kristrún Frostadóttir,underscoring the nation’s commitment to gender parity.

The seeds of Iceland’s gender equality were sown on October 24,1975,when 90% of women across the country stopped working,both in their jobs and at home. This unprecedented exhibition brought Iceland to a standstill, highlighting the indispensable role women played in the nation’s economy and society. Halla Tómasdóttir, now the president of Iceland, recalls the impact of that day.

“I was seven when that happened, and it was on my mother’s birthday, so I really remember it. Husbands were put in charge that day. Hot dogs sold out in the country. It was a really strange experience.

Halla Tómasdóttir, President of Iceland

The 1975 strike served as a catalyst for significant change. In 1980, Iceland elected Vigdís Finnbogadóttir as its president, making her the first woman in the world to be democratically elected as head of state. This historic event shattered stereotypes and paved the way for future generations of female leaders.

The Women’s Day Off led to significant political changes. “After that, we had an all-women political party that started to shift all political parties. And so I stand on the shoulders of all these women. This is a long history of many brave women,” Tómasdóttir notes.

Tómasdóttir emphasizes the importance of women’s representation at the highest levels of government. “I think it’s critical. I also know from research that 30pc is an critically important threshold. That’s when the dynamics start to shift.” She believes women bring unique qualities to government and business, describing it as “capitalism with care.” She notes that the new coalition government hugged rather of shaking hands when they agreed their manifesto.”

She also highlights the importance of infrastructural investments, particularly in childcare. “What has been absolutely critical in Iceland is that we had the foresight to really build childcare infrastructure. Than we took another massive step in 2001, when we granted equal parental leave to men and women. I think this was groundbreaking.” Currently, each parent in Iceland receives six months of paid leave when a child is born, with six weeks transferable between the parents.

Iceland stands as a global leader in gender equality, showcasing the transformative power of progressive policies and societal commitment. Affordable childcare, robust welfare systems, and increasing female representation in leadership positions, including Prime minister Kristrún Frostadóttir, are key factors contributing to this success. Though, leaders acknowledge that challenges remain, including domestic violence and the gender pay gap, requiring continued effort and vigilance.

In 2025,Iceland is approaching the 50th anniversary of the women’s strike,a pivotal moment in the nation’s history. Prime Minister Kristrún Frostadóttir, seated in the Stjórnarráðshúsið, the Prime Minister’s Office in Reykjavik, reflects on the meaning of a female-led government and the progress Iceland has made.

Frostadóttir emphasizes that while a female-led government is a source of pride, it is increasingly viewed as the norm, reflecting Iceland’s advanced state of gender equality. I think mostly it says how far we’ve come, that this is considered normal, she states. People are obviously proud. But it’s not the main topic of discussion here, and I think that tells us everything that needs to be said about the status of equality and gender equality in Iceland.

The upcoming 50th anniversary of the women’s strike is a powerful reminder of the collective action that has shaped Iceland’s commitment to gender equality. We have historic events, which are marked this year by the 50th anniversary of the women’s strike, Frostadóttir notes. This is something that women in Iceland are extremely proud of. So it’s been a journey.

Minister for Foreign Affairs Þorgerður Katrín Gunnarsdóttir also shared insights into the nation’s progress, emphasizing the importance of a robust welfare system. gunnarsdóttir spoke from her office overlooking Harpa, Reykjavik’s waterfront concert hall, with Mount Esja providing a backdrop.

Gunnarsdóttir highlighted the unique dynamics of the current government, where women hold a majority of cabinet positions. She expressed pride in this achievement, highlighting the collaborative spirit among the female leaders. it’s a different way we work together, she said, referring to Frostadóttir and People’s Party leader Inga Sæland. We have deeper conversations.We rely more on each other. We are more frank with each other, because there is a trust between us. Can we get angry with each other? Yes. Can we be annoyed sometimes? yes, but we work it out.

Iceland’s commitment to gender equality is rooted in its history, particularly the Women’s Day on october 24, 1975. gunnarsdóttir recalls the impact of this event, sharing a personal anecdote from her childhood. It’s strong in our history that we have women very visible in politics. But it comes not from nothing, it comes from fight. It comes from 1975, this big day, October 24, the Women’s Day in Iceland. It was enormous solidarity among women. I remember my mother saying bye to the office and going down. And I whent with her. And I was just 10 years old but I sometimes reflect on this day.

The composition of Iceland’s government has garnered international attention. I’ve just arrived from a lot of bilateral meetings with foreign ministers from abroad, and they asked me about this new government and of course it makes me proud. I always notice that women in the meeting room, they kind of nod. They kind of say — well done, Gunnarsdóttir shared.

Gunnarsdóttir credits Iceland’s welfare system with enabling women’s participation in politics. It is important for me to have this background to stand on, that there is a system that takes care of my children and I’m free to make my choice. In the past, women didn’t have the freedom to choose. Having had three children during her political career, she emphasized the importance of this support.

Despite the strides made, Iceland’s leaders acknowledge that challenges persist. Domestic violence and the gender pay gap remain pressing issues. Frostadóttir also highlighted the importance of considering the role models available to young men. I think it’s critically important to say, equality on both ends is good, right? adds Frostadóttir. You want to have a balance.When it comes to young men, they have to have strong role models as well. We always have to be mindful of that.

Iceland’s approach to childcare is unique,with having children in childcare viewed as the norm. Marinósdóttir explains,It has always been seen as a positive thing because you have a playground,you can learn through play and be with other kids. This cultural acceptance, coupled with affordable and accessible childcare, allows women to participate fully in the workforce.

The availability of affordable daycare removes a significant barrier to gender equality, preventing the creation of an economic incentive to stay home, as opposed to going into the labor market, according to Marinósdóttir.

The impact of these policies is evident in the success of women like Kristrún Frostadóttir, the newly-elected prime minister. At 36 years old and with two children under the age of six, Frostadóttir acknowledges the support system that has enabled her career.

I mean, I have two children under the age of six, and I managed to end up in this job despite that. So something must be going right.

Kristrún Frostadóttir, Prime Minister of Iceland

Tómasdóttir highlights the importance of universal and affordable childcare in leveling the playing field for both men and women in the workforce.This is a level-the-playing-field issue,and I think those have really worked in our favour, she says,emphasizing that it eliminates the risk of losing valuable employees due to childcare responsibilities,irrespective of gender.

marinósdóttir emphasizes that Iceland’s progress in gender equality is not a given and requires continuous effort. The president is a woman. The national commissioner of the police is a woman. the new bishop is a woman. It’s engaging times. This is the product of gender equality. And I think everyone needs to understand that this doesn’t come as a given.

Reflecting on her upbringing, Frostadóttir credits her parents for instilling in her a sense of equality and empowerment. She grew up in a household where conventional gender roles were blurred, with her mother working more hours than her father, who took on responsibilities such as cooking and childcare. I am raised in a very normal household, but my mum worked more hours than my dad when I was growing up. He did my hair and he cooked, and I never thought onc about it, she recounts. I am where I am as of just very normal people that raised strong women.