50 Years On 24 October
20. October 2025The Demands of Women
On 24 October 2025, 50 years have passed since women in this country first called for the Women’s Strike, and despite decades of struggle, equality is not in sight. Reports of gender-based violence are increasing, the gender pay gap is widening, and there is inequality in the division of household duties.
Women and non-binary people who can, should stop both paid and unpaid work for the entire day — they should not go to work, or care for children or family members, but instead ask male family members to take over those duties. They should refrain from all activities that could be considered work, whether paid employment or unpaid responsibilities such as child care, housework, or the so-called third shift. See Q&A about the Women’s Strike here.
At the Women’s Strike rally in 2023, demands for change were presented, later formalized by the Executive Committee of the Women’s Year as concrete actions. These were handed over to the government with a one-year deadline, until October 24, 2025, to implement them. These include demands for legislative changes, measures against violence, closing the gender pay gap, improving the status of mothers, and eliminating discrimination in the labor market.
Now the reckoning is due — but the Executive Committee’s dashboard shows that little has been done.
The demands for action include:
- Eradicate gender-based violence
40% of women in Iceland have experienced gender-based violence. - Correct the undervaluation of women’s jobs
The difference in employment income between women and men is around 20%, and the gender pay gap is over 10% and growing. - Enshrine the right to preschool for children after parental leave
Women still bear more responsibility for child care; one in four works part-time, and many leave the labor market to bridge the gap. - Ensure education on equality and gender-based violence at all school levels
12% of girls in 10th grade have been raped by a peer, and half have experienced digital sexual violence.
A number of events are being planned for the day itself and the lead-up to it across the country. Further information is continuously updated on kvennaar.is.