They Dared. They Could. They Did.
- Becky Byerly-Adams
- 8 minutes ago
- 3 min read
by Becky Byerly-Adams
This article is a tribute to the women in Iceland who fought for gender equality 50 years ago. They showed us it can be done. Through the years commemorative rallies have occurred, their proclamation persists. Although not 100% perfect, Iceland remains one of the most gender equal countries in the world.
On October 24, 1975, the Women’s Day Off (Kvennafrídagurinn) was the start of profound social changes in Iceland. Their rallying cry “I dare. I can. I will.” was heard throughout the country and in many parts of the world. Today Iceland is ranked number one in gender equality by The World Economic Forum’s Global Gender Gap Index 2025. The country has held this ranking for 16 consecutive years. In comparison, Canada ranks 32nd, and the United States is 42nd in gender equality.
On that historic October day, 90% of the women in Iceland abstained from paid work, housework, and childcare. Shops, schools, factories, and banks were forced to close leaving many men to stay home or take their children to work with them. An estimated 25,000 people gathered at Laekjartorg square in central Reykjavik, the largest outdoor meeting ever held in Iceland.
Many transformations have occurred in Iceland since that fateful day in 1975 starting with the passage of the 1976 Gender Equality Act forbidding discrimination based on sex/gender. In 1979, the Women’s Alliance formed to promote female political leaders. Just one year later, Vigdís Finnbogadóttir (I110458) was elected President of Iceland; the world’s first democratically elected female head of state. She remained as President for 16 years. Before the strike, women populated only 5% of Parliament, while in 2021, the number had risen to 47.6%.
One of the most dramatic and positive changes was the wage gap. In 1975, women earned around 60% compared to the men. In 2023, the adjusted pay gender gap had reduced to 3.6%, the result of the measures put in place supporting the concept of equal pay for equal work.
Finally, to combat the “motherhood penalty”, Iceland has enacted subsidized childcare policies. As Eliza Reid stated in her book, Secrets of the Sprakkar, helping parents helps us all. After the birth of a child, the first twelve months are paid leave for the parents. Each parent is allowed five months and the remaining two months are shared between them as they wish.
Childcare is subsidized at age one and when the child is two, preschool costs are reduced. These policies contribute to supporting gender equality since both parents are able to work without the worry and expense of childcare. It is good for the economy, and promotes a strong bond between parent and child during their first year of life.
Some limitations still exist; thus full gender equality remains to be achieved. There are also areas where women are still not fully represented. Female dominated sectors, immigrant women, and part-time workers are less likely to be paid well. The average pay of women is still lower than men’s. Commemorative protests have been held in 2005, 2010, 2016, and 2023 to highlight these continuing inequalities.
In recognition of the 50th anniversary of the Women’s Strike, Icelandic Roots is publishing in our Roots News two different articles from individuals who experienced that historic day.
Additionally, on October 8th, Icelandic Roots members were able to view the documentary “The Day Iceland Stood Still”. This film features interviews with the women who organized and participated in the protest, archival materials from that day, and animated sequences.
On October 15th, Icelandic Roots will host the director of the film, Pamela Hogan, where our members are also welcome to join the discussion.
To those brave women of Iceland who, fifty years ago left their homes, farms, and jobs protesting gender inequality, low wages, and the lack of recognition for their contributions to Iceland’s society and economy - we salute you!
References
Secrets of the Sprakkar by Eliza Reid copyright 2022
Global Gender Gap Report 2025
Iceland Review article: From the Archive: Women Look to the Future
Statistics Iceland
Work in Iceland: Daycare and Schooling
