Iceland's women's strike has garnered massive support. 

A demonstration, inspired by the 1975 Icelandic women's strike, has seen women and non-binary individuals unite to advocate for two causes: eliminating gender-based violence and rectifying the undervaluation of “women's professions”.

Ásgeir Þór Ásgeirsson, Chief Superintendent of the Capital Region Police, expressed amazement at an unprecedented turnout in Reykjavik, stating; “There has never been such a crowd around Arnarhóll Hill and in the nearby streets - not even on Culture Night’. 

Even the Prime Minister, Katrin Jakobsdottir, joined to protest gender inequality.
Schools, libraries, and some services operated on reduced hours as female staff participated, while hospitals focused solely on emergency cases.

Prime Minister Jakobsdottir highlighted the global challenges of gender equality, saying; “Looking at the whole world, it could take 300 years to achieve gender equality”.

Iceland leads in various gender equality measures but still faces wage gaps in specific industries, where women earn at least 20 per cent less than men. 

Additionally, 40 per cent of Icelandic women experience gender-based and sexual violence during their lives.

Organiser Freyja Steingrimsdottir stressed the need for action, saying; “We're seeking to bring attention to the fact that we're called an equality paradise, but there are still gender disparities and an urgent need for action”. 

“Female-led professions such as healthcare services and childcare are still undervalued and much lower paid,” added Ms Steingrimsdottir.