On October 24th, 2023, 100,000+ women and non-binary individuals in Iceland made a powerful statement against gender-based violence and called for pay equality by staging a full-day strike. This strike was inspired by the historic 1975 Icelandic women’s strike, which we revisit in today’s episode & explore the last impact of the Women’s Day Off on Icelandic society.
The Historical Context:
Before 1975, Icelandic women faced significant wage disparities, earning less than 60% of what their male counterparts earned. The United Nations had declared 1975 International Women’s Year, prompting various events globally to celebrate women’s achievements. In Iceland, the idea of a full-day strike emerged to showcase the indispensable role of women in the economy and protest wage discrepancies.
The Birth of Women’s Day Off:
To make the strike more inclusive and avoid backlash, organizers branded the event as “Women’s Day Off.” This clever name aimed to engage as many participants as possible while protecting women from potential job loss. Women’s organizations spread the word, leveraging media to shed light on gender discrimination and the pay gap.
The Strike’s Impact:
On October 24th, 1975, a staggering 90% of Icelandic women refrained from work and household activities. Approximately 25,000 women gathered in Reykjavik for a rally, discussing potential solutions for achieving true gender equality in the workplace. Notably, this rally involved around 11% of the country’s total population at the time.
Afram stelpur – Onward Girls:
Accompanying the strike was a theme album titled “Afram stelpur (Onward girls),” featuring feminist protest songs. The rallying cry for freedom, “Afram stelpur (I augsyn er nu frelsi),” encapsulated the spirit of the movement.
Success and Beyond:
The Women’s Day Off was a resounding success, with fathers bringing children to work, employers providing snacks and activities, and even sausages flying off the shelves. The following year, parliament passed a law guaranteeing equal pay. The positive effects extended beyond, culminating in the election of Vigdis Finnbogadottir as Iceland’s president in 1980.
Continued Celebrations:
The Icelandic Women’s Day Off is celebrated every 10 years on October 24th, with women leaving work early as a symbolic gesture. The minutes early they leave represent the progress made since the 1975 strike, demonstrating the ongoing commitment to gender equality.
Global Inspiration:
The impact of Iceland’s Women’s Day Off has reverberated globally, inspiring strikes in Poland, International Women’s Strikes in 2017 and 2018, and an estimated 100,000 participants in the 2023 Women’s Day Off. Prime Minister Katrin Jakobsdottir actively participated, setting a goal to achieve full gender equality in Iceland by 2030.
Conclusion:
The Icelandic Women’s Day Off of 1975 remains a beacon of inspiration, showcasing the power of collective action to challenge gender inequality. As we reflect on these historic events, the global resonance of this movement serves as a reminder of the ongoing fight for gender equality.