The Women’s Day Off in Iceland

Iceland’s Struggle for Gender Equality: The Women’s Day Off

Iceland has been a pioneer in gender equality. According to the Global Gender Gap Report from 2009, it was named "the country with the narrowest gender gap in the world." As early as 1815, Iceland took steps toward equality by giving some women (widows and women with property) the right to vote in local elections. Full voting rights for all women came later in 1920. Despite these advances, by the 1970s, Icelandic women still struggled to achieve full equality in everyday life. This frustration led to a pivotal event on October 24, 1975—a day that would be remembered as the "Women’s Day Off."

The Build-Up to Action

The movements of the 1960s, especially the women’s and hippy movements, were eye-openers. They allowed people, especially the younger generation, to question their governments and societal norms. Women in Iceland were tired of being seen as just housewives and mothers. Jobs were often labeled "men’s" or "women’s," and women were expected to work for less pay. Although women could run for election since 1915, by 1975, only three women were in Parliament—just 5% of the total, while other Nordic countries had much higher percentages.

The Role of the Redstockings

A key group leading the fight for women’s rights in Iceland was The Redstockings. Originally founded in New York in 1969, this radical group established a branch in Iceland in 1970. Inspired by student protests and the liberal movements of the 1960s, they fought against traditional views of women. Initially, they proposed a labor strike to highlight the pay gap and discrimination in the workplace. To make the idea more appealing to older generations, they called it the "Women’s Day Off." The United Nations declared 1975 as International Women’s Year, giving extra motivation to act.

Planning the Strike

The Redstockings organized a meeting in August 1975 to create a solid plan for the day. They reached out to women’s societies and trade unions for support. Thanks to backing from the unions, many women were able to approach their employers for time off without fear of losing their jobs. Media coverage helped shine a light on wage discrimination and gender inequality, although some men didn’t take the strike seriously.

October 24, 1975: The Day Women Took a Stand

On the morning of October 24, 1975, an overwhelming 90% of Iceland’s women refused to work or do any housework for the entire day. They flooded the streets in protest, with the largest gathering of 25,000 women taking place at Downtown Square in Reykjavik. Women from all walks of life came together—housewives, workers, and politicians stood side by side, listening to speeches, singing, and marching for change.

A variety of women spoke at the event, including Members of Parliament, housewives, and activists. The final speech was given by Aðalheiður Bjarnfreðsdóttir, who focused on the struggles of low-paid working-class women. The day highlighted the importance of women in society, something many had taken for granted.

Impact of the Strike

The strike had an immediate and dramatic impact. As Vigdis Finnbogadóttir, who would later become Iceland’s first female president, said, the strike "completely paralyzed the country." Men were left unprepared to care for their children without their wives. Nurseries were closed, so men had to bring their kids to work. In some cases, radio news broadcasts were interrupted by the sounds of children playing in the background.

Shops ran out of sausages because that’s all many men knew how to cook. Schools, banks, and businesses had to close because the women who ran them were on strike. Airlines canceled flights due to a shortage of flight attendants. For many men, it was a "baptism of fire," and the day became known as the "Long Friday" due to the chaos that followed.

The Lasting Effects of the Women’s Day Off

The Women’s Day Off in 1975 marked a turning point in Iceland. It helped change attitudes toward gender equality and showed the essential role women played in both the home and the workplace. The strike brought attention to the inequalities women faced, and as a result, Iceland saw a rise in female participation in politics, including the election of Vigdis Finnbogadóttir as the world's first female democratically elected president in 1980.

The day was not just about making a point; it was about demanding respect and equal treatment. It reminded the world that without women, society simply cannot function.

Key Takeaways from the Women’s Strike

Here’s why the Women’s Day Off had such a huge impact:

• Visibility: It made the contributions of women impossible to ignore.
• Unity: Women from all backgrounds came together for a common cause.
• Change: It led to increased political involvement and awareness of gender equality.
• Immediate Impact: The strike caused major disruptions in daily life, proving how essential women are to society.

Conclusion

The Women’s Day Off in Iceland was a bold statement of unity and a powerful demand for change. It wasn’t just about higher wages or political representation; it was about showing the world that women’s contributions are invaluable. The strike paved the way for Iceland to become a global leader in gender equality, and its impact is still felt today.