Icelandic women and non-binary people are striking on Friday to mark the 50th anniversary of the 'Women’s Day Off' protest that sparked a global equality movement. President Halla Tómasdóttir, who took office last year, warned that the country is not immune to a global backlash against feminism, despite being the only nation to close over 90% of its gender gap according to the World Economic Forum.
For the first time, every national leadership position in Iceland—president, prime minister, bishop, and police chief—is held by a woman. However, Tómasdóttir noted that gender-based violence remains a problem and that lower-paid caring jobs still need to be uplifted. 'There is still work to be done,' she said, adding that Iceland is seeing 'red flags' similar to the feminist backlash observed worldwide.
The 1975 strike saw 90% of Icelandic women stop work and 25,000 gather in Reykjavík, leading to the election of the world’s first female president, Vigdís Finnbogadóttir, five years later. Two years ago, an estimated 100,000 women and non-binary people protested the pay gap and gender-based violence in the country’s largest-ever demonstration.
This year, organisers have urged all citizens to strike, with men expected to take on home responsibilities so women can join celebrations. Events include a historical walk and a rally with music and speeches. Tómasdóttir plans to take the day off and participate in person and on television.
The president emphasised the need to include boys and men in the fight for equality, calling for an 'inclusion revolution' to avoid unnecessary backlash. She noted that closing the gender gap has strengthened Iceland’s economy and society, and hopes the country can inspire a shift in leadership norms toward more sincerity and humanity.
