Is Iceland the gender-equality haven for women it seems to be? - BBC World Service

Summary

Iceland is a global leader in gender equality, closing over 90% of its gender gap through progressive policies and initiatives. From early education promoting gender-neutral roles to groundbreaking laws on equal pay, Iceland strives to empower women and girls. However, despite its reputation as a feminist paradise, challenges persist, including high rates of gender-based violence and an imperfect justice system. Icelandic women continue to fight for equality, from union movements to pioneering policies like parental leave. The country’s journey, while successful in many areas, reveals the ongoing need for action and change.

Takeaways

• 😀 Iceland has closed over 90% of its gender gap, making it the most gender-equal country in the world.
• 😀 The country has introduced policies like paid parental leave, equal pay for equal work, and gender-neutral language to support gender equality.
• 😀 Iceland's early education system, using methods like the Hjalli model, encourages children to explore non-traditional gender roles, fostering independence and empathy.
• 😀 The Hjalli system separates boys and girls to ensure they aren't restricted by conventional gender stereotypes, helping them develop personality traits typically associated with the opposite sex.
• 😀 Icelandic women have been fighting for gender equality for decades, with significant victories such as the 1975 women's strike and ongoing union activism.
• 😀 Parental leave in Iceland is split equally between fathers and mothers, allowing both parents to share childcare responsibilities and creating a more balanced family dynamic.
• 😀 90% of Icelandic fathers take paternity leave, leading to a deeper understanding and respect for women's roles in the household and workplace.
• 😀 The film industry in Iceland has seen a rise in female directors, with Iceland now having the highest percentage of female directors in Europe.
• 😀 Gender-based violence remains a critical issue in Iceland, with a quarter of women experiencing rape or attempted rape and many facing physical or sexual violence at home.
• 😀 Icelandic organizations like Öfgar, founded by survivors of gender violence, are working to break the silence around these issues and demand better justice for victims.
• 😀 Despite being marketed as a feminist paradise, Iceland still faces challenges with its justice system, which often fails to adequately address sexual violence and gender-based abuse.

Q & A

What makes Iceland unique in terms of gender equality?

Iceland is unique for being the first country in the world to close over 90% of its gender gap. It has topped gender equality rankings for the last 15 years, excelling in areas such as education, childcare, and equal pay for women and girls.

How does Iceland address traditional gender roles from an early age?

In Iceland, gender roles are challenged from a young age. Children at certain schools are taught gender equality through methods like ‘compensation work,’ where boys and girls are separated and encouraged to engage in activities usually associated with the opposite sex, such as strength training for girls and caregiving tasks for boys.

What is the Hjalli method, and how does it impact children?

The Hjalli method is a teaching approach where boys and girls are separated for most of the day and encouraged to engage in activities typically associated with the opposite gender. This method helps children break free from conventional gender stereotypes and fosters independent and empathetic behavior.

How has Iceland's parental leave policy contributed to gender equality?

Iceland's parental leave policy, which offers 12 months of leave that can be split equally between the mother and father, has played a significant role in promoting gender equality. It ensures that both parents share childcare responsibilities from the start, which helps create more balanced gender dynamics in both the home and workplace.

How does Iceland support women's participation in the workforce?

Iceland supports women's participation in the workforce through policies such as equal pay certification, parental leave, and strong union representation. Nearly 90% of working-age women are employed, and the country has made significant strides in ensuring equal opportunities for women in various industries, including the traditionally male-dominated film industry.

What challenges remain for women in Iceland despite these achievements?

Despite Iceland's progress in gender equality, significant challenges remain, particularly in the area of gender-based violence. A quarter of Icelandic women have experienced rape or attempted rape, and many cases of sexual violence go unreported or are dropped by the justice system.

How does Iceland's labor union system support women?

Iceland has one of the highest unionization rates in the world, with about 90% of workers being part of a union. Women's unions have been successful in negotiating for better wages and conditions for predominantly female workers, such as preschool educators and cleaning staff. They have used strikes effectively to demand equal pay and improved working conditions.

What role do women play in Iceland's political landscape?

Women in Iceland play a crucial role in the country's political landscape, with Iceland being the first country to elect a female president in 1980. Today, Iceland's current president is also a woman, and the country has a history of electing women to leadership positions, which has helped shape a more inclusive political environment.

How does Iceland address gender violence, and what challenges persist?

While Iceland has made significant progress in gender equality, gender-based violence remains a serious issue. Despite being marketed as one of the safest countries for women, a quarter of Icelandic women experience rape or attempted rape, and the justice system often fails to prosecute cases of sexual violence. Women's shelters and feminist organizations are working to raise awareness and support survivors.

What are the goals for closing the gender gap in Iceland by 2030?

Iceland has an ambitious goal of closing the gender gap completely by 2030. Although it may not be fully realistic, the country is determined to aim for courageous and ambitious goals, recognizing that closing the gender gap is key to solving many of the world's pressing challenges.