In 1915 all women over the age of 40 in Iceland were given the right to vote (and five years later all adult women were granted this as well). Ever since this time, Iceland has been ranked the best country in the world for women. For the 5th year in a row, Iceland has been given the title of the nation with the smallest gender wealth gap by the World Economic Forum. Iceland has also been recognized as the first nation in the world with an equal number of men and women involved in the government, and the first country to have a democratically elected female president, with Vigdís Finnbogadótti in 1980. And uniquely to Iceland, parental leave is now 9 months long and includes fathers in the plan, making it much easier for mothers in Iceland to continue progressing both their careers and families.
This year on the centennial anniversary, all year long, Reykjavík City council will be promoting 100 events for women including self defense classes, art exhibitions, and panel discussions. While women’s issues do still exist, this June Iceland can pat itself on the back for serving as a true feminist example to other nations.
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