Iceland's Prime Minister Joins Women's Strike Against Gender Pay Gap
Date: 2023-10-24 Author: Dima Zakharov Categories: WORLD
The strike, named "Kvennafrí," or Women's Day Off, was announced to protest the wage disparities in Iceland. Sectors where women constitute the majority of the workforce, such as healthcare and education, were particularly affected. Additionally, some museums, municipal libraries, and zoos suffered significant disruptions.
This women's strike marked the first full-day women's strike in Iceland since 1975. Organizers explain that work traditionally associated with women, including cleaning and caregiving services, continues to be undervalued and underpaid.
However, it's worth noting that the World Economic Forum has recognized Iceland as the world's best country for gender equality for 14 consecutive years. Prime Minister Jakobsdóttir mentioned that her government is examining how professions dominated by women are assessed compared to fields traditionally dominated by men.
"We aim to draw attention to the fact that we are called a paradise of equality, but there are still gender disparities and an urgent need for action," said Freyja Steinþórsdóttir, one of the strike's organizers.
According to the latest estimates from the UN organization dedicated to advancing women's rights and opportunities, achieving global gender equality will take approximately 300 years.
This women's strike marked the first full-day women's strike in Iceland since 1975. Organizers explain that work traditionally associated with women, including cleaning and caregiving services, continues to be undervalued and underpaid.
However, it's worth noting that the World Economic Forum has recognized Iceland as the world's best country for gender equality for 14 consecutive years. Prime Minister Jakobsdóttir mentioned that her government is examining how professions dominated by women are assessed compared to fields traditionally dominated by men.
"We aim to draw attention to the fact that we are called a paradise of equality, but there are still gender disparities and an urgent need for action," said Freyja Steinþórsdóttir, one of the strike's organizers.
According to the latest estimates from the UN organization dedicated to advancing women's rights and opportunities, achieving global gender equality will take approximately 300 years.
