Iceland Marks 50 Years Since Historic Women's Strike Closing 90% Gender Gap

Iceland commemorates the 50th anniversary of the 1975 "kvennafrí" or Women’s Day Off strike, a pivotal event where 90% of women stopped working to protest gender inequality, sparking significant societal change and inspiring global movements. Today, Iceland leads the world in gender equality, having closed more than 90% of its gender gap, with all top national leadership roles held by women, including President Halla Tómasdóttir who credits this progress to sustained efforts powered by "geothermal power and girl power." Despite these advances, President Tómasdóttir and others acknowledge ongoing challenges such as gender-based violence and economic disparities for women in lower-paid, caregiving roles, emphasizing that more work remains. The 1975 strike's legacy includes the election of the world’s first female president and continues to inspire international women's rights activism. Documentaries and recent protests highlight both the historical significance and continuing relevance of the strike in addressing persistent gender issues. Iceland's experience underscores both the achievements and the complexities of advancing gender equality in the modern era.