Iceland is often considered the most gender equal country in the world. However, it is surprising to everyone to see the women of Iceland on strike for equal pay. The matter started on Tuesday when thousands of women were denied their jobs. This “women’s day off” is known as “kvennafri” in Iceland.
The country saw Katrín Jakobsdóttir, the Prime Minister of Iceland along with thousands of women who went on strike from midnight on Tuesday until the following midnight. The demand of these women on strike in the most gender-equal country in the world was to put an end to gender-based violence and unequal wages.
Prime Minister Katrín Jakobsdóttir said: “I will not work this day, as I expect all women to do [in cabinet] will also serve.”
This country has a population of 380,000 people and has been named the most gender equal country in the world by the WEF (World Economic Forum), not once or twice, but 14 years in a row. The forum takes into account factors such as health care, salary, education, etc.
ALSO READ: Nobel Peace Prize 2023: Iranian activist Narges Mohammadi, winner of the Nobel Prize for fighting oppression of women
Why did the women in Iceland go on strike on Tuesday?
The title of the most gender equal country was taken by Iceland. The World Economic Forum gave Iceland a score of 91.2 percent. If Iceland is the most gender equal country in the world, then why is it not awarded the full score? The reason is that no nation has so far been able to achieve full equality in terms of gender pay, and Iceland is no exception.
Jakobsdóttir said in a statement: “We have not yet reached our goals of full gender equality and we are still struggling with a gender pay gap, which is unacceptable in 2023. We are still struggling with gender-based violence, which is a priority for my government.”
Research by the University of Iceland showed that about 40 percent of women in Iceland experience gender-based violence at least once in their lives.
Women in the country have managed to achieve great success and reach the highest positions in almost all sectors, it is also important to note that the lowest paid jobs in the country are also dominated by women.
The recent protest in Iceland was the largest since October 24, 1975. In that protest, about 90 percent of women refused to work and raised their voices against discrimination in the workplace.
ALSO READ: Top 10 Richest Self Made American Women 2023
ALSO READ: UK to unveil world’s first sculpture celebrating women wearing hijab
Categories: Trends
Source: HIS Education