They Dare, They Can, They Will: The History of Iceland’s Decades-Strong Women’s Strike Movement

On Oct. 24, 1975, 90 percent of the women in Iceland refused to go to work, care for their children or cook for their families. Instead, thousands gathered in Reykjavík and villages nationwide to demand gender equality.

Schools closed. Flights were canceled. Businesses shuttered. Factories came to a standstill. Phone service was off.

Men called it “The Long Friday.” Organizers called it Kvennafrídagurinn : Women’s Day Off.

The post They Dare, They Can, They Will: The History of Iceland’s Decades-Strong Women’s Strike Movement appeared first on Ms. Magazine.