Iceland’s Feminist Leadership: A Historic Milestone

Almost 45 years ago, Iceland made a groundbreaking move by electing the world’s first female president, establishing a legacy that has positioned the nation as a leading advocate for feminism globally.

Over the years, Iceland has seen several women ascend to the roles of president and prime minister. Recently, the country reached a significant milestone when Kristrún Frostadóttir, a social democrat, assumed office just three weeks ago, making history as both the country’s youngest leader at 36 and as part of a concurrent leadership of women with Halla Tómasdóttir, who became the second female president in August.

A Government Run by Women

Despite her intention not to create a female-centric government, Kristrún has found herself leading a coalition comprised entirely of women. This coalition includes Inga Sæland of the centrist People’s Party and Þorgerður Katrín Gunnarsdóttir from the centre-right pro-European Reform Party, who are making waves in Icelandic politics.

In an interview with the Observer at her summer residence in the picturesque Þingvellir National Park, Kristrún commented, “It so happened that these three parties are led by women. I believe there’s a unique dynamic when three women collaborate, especially as each of us is at a different life stage.”

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Experience and Diversity

As a newcomer to politics, Kristrún transitioned from a career as an economist and journalist four years prior, quickly becoming the chair of her party. Inga, aged 65, founded her party in 2016, while Þorgerður, 59, brings decades of experience, having previously held ministerial roles.

Despite their varied backgrounds, the unity among these women lies in their progressive approach towards welfare and governance, with Kristrún emphasizing the importance of demonstrating a different style of leadership.

“While some issues we address extend beyond feminism, it’s crucial to showcase that governance can take a new form,” she shared. “This represents a new kind of leadership, catching attention not just for political views but also for gender representation.”

Commemorating Women’s Strike Anniversary

This year marks the 50th anniversary of the monumental women’s strike in 1975, when around 90% of Icelandic women ceased work to advocate for gender equality, ultimately leading to the formation of the country’s first women’s political party and the election of its first female president.

Priorities of the New Administration

Kristrún has kicked off her leadership by inviting public suggestions on optimizing spending. Her administration prioritizes economic stability and fiscal responsibility. “It’s vital for me to illustrate that a socially conscious welfare government can maintain a balanced budget,” she noted.

Prioritizing communication with her coalition partners is also key, especially in light of past governmental challenges. Kristrún stated, “The previous administration faced significant cooperation issues, prompting public demand for a unified government. We are responding to that need for change.”

A Progressive Vision Amidst Global Trends

Amidst a general shift to the right in Europe and the US, Kristrún’s administration will maintain a centre-left agenda, focusing on core values of the Social Democrats. This involves addressing the needs of everyday citizens over elite priorities, with a focus on housing, welfare, and employment opportunities.

Kristrún strongly believes that a blend of progressive policies and welfare approaches serves as a countermeasure to the rising far-right sentiment. “This governance model can restore humanity to political discourse,” she asserted.

Aiming for Inclusivity and Sustainability

Adopting a listening approach rather than passing judgment is essential, according to Kristrún. To navigate away from extreme political views, she advocates for a more inclusive and grounded political framework.

Her leadership arrives at a crucial moment for Iceland, dealing with various challenges, including environmental concerns related to fish farming, a pressing housing crisis, discontent from mass tourism, and the impacts of recent volcanic activity.

Health care, housing, and economic issues are at the forefront of Kristrún’s agenda. She highlighted the need for more sustainable tourism practices, stating, “We must balance the influx of visitors with the necessary infrastructure to preserve our natural resources.”

Her government is also set to conduct a referendum in 2027 regarding EU membership discussions, ensuring that it reflects the will of the people. “Diverse opinions exist within our coalition about this issue, but ultimately, it’s about what the public desires,” she emphasized.