Icelandic Women's Historic Strike Transforms Gender Equality Landscape

Gender pay disparities remain a persistent issue in developed economies, with women in the US earning 17% less than their male counterparts and a staggering 22% gap in Japan. However, Iceland stands out as a beacon of progress, boasting a remarkably low pay gap of around 10%. This stark transformation from significant inequality to near parity between genders finds its roots in a historic event that unfolded in 1975.

Half a century ago, the gender pay gap figures told a different story. In 1975, the US faced a staggering 37% pay gap, Japan a substantial 42%, and Iceland itself a substantial 40%. The pivotal year was marked by an event that initiated a seismic shift in Icelandic society.

The backdrop to this transformation dates back to Iceland's 1944 independence from Denmark, ushering in a parliamentary democracy. The conservative Independence Party held sway for nearly two decades, during which policies fostering gender inequity, especially in workplaces, were widespread. By the 1970s, a majority of women were confined to low-paying, undervalued jobs, and many were effectively forced out of the labor market to fulfill domestic roles.

In response to years of conservative policies that perpetuated inequality, a new women's group, The Redstockings, emerged to demand equal rights. Their unconventional tactics included crowning a cow at a beauty pageant and symbolically crucifying a doll dressed as a housewife, aiming to spotlight deeply rooted societal issues.

Elisabet Gunnarsdottir, a founding member of The Redstockings, underscored the group's commitment to addressing overlooked aspects of women's lives that remained stagnant for generations. Workplace inequality was a key concern that propelled The Redstockings to take to the streets and raise awareness about this systemic problem.

In 1970, during the May Day demonstration, The Redstockings carried a statue that embodied their message. Yet, the group aspired for more significant impact—a full-fledged strike. Organizing a strike outside of trade unions and employers' associations was illegal in Iceland at the time, rendering the idea challenging to implement. However, the turning point arrived in 1975 with the United Nations' launch of "International Women's Year."

This global conference focused on women's issues spurred governments worldwide to address gender discrimination. In Iceland, representatives from diverse women's associations collaborated under the Prime Minister's office to prepare for this event. Despite initial resistance from conservative women's associations, The Redstockings seized the opportunity to propose a women's strike against the gender pay gap as the ideal way to commemorate "International Women's Year."

After overcoming challenges and securing support, The Redstockings pushed for the strike, coining it "kvennafrí," or "day off." The strike aimed to demonstrate women's economic value by collectively refusing to work both at home and in offices. With merely three months to prepare, The Redstockings and the committee mobilized labor unions, women's organizations, and the broader public to ensure the success of kvennafrí.

The historic day arrived on October 24th, 1975, witnessing a staggering 90% of Icelandic women participating in the strike. Approximately 25,000 women took to the streets of Reykjavik, delivering speeches and singing about women's rights. The impact was felt across the nation: the telephone system crashed, newspapers halted production, and even the national airline canceled flights due to a lack of stewardesses. Preschools shut down, and the absence of domestic labor disrupted homes.

The unprecedented solidarity displayed during kvennafrí generated tangible societal change. Iceland passed its first Gender Equality Act, officially banning wage discrimination based on gender. Women's rights were enshrined in the Constitution, and women's representation in Parliament surged. Notably, in 1980, Iceland elected its first female leader, a testament to the transformative power of kvennafrí.

While gender pay gaps continue globally, Iceland's rapid progress offers inspiration. Demonstrations like kvennafrí may not be universally replicable, but they underscore the potential of united political and social efforts in advancing gender equality. The legacy of kvennafrí endures through subsequent iterations, addressing evolving gender issues and remaining a potent symbol of progress. An intriguing link to history persists—the original songs from the 1975 event are available on Spotify, providing a sonic connection to this empowering chapter.