Iceland has topped the World Economic Forum’s gender equality rankings for the last 16 years. In our latest article, Joan Bailey explores insights from Secrets of the Sprakkar by Eliza Reid, which blends interviews with women across politics, business, agriculture, and the arts to understand how real progress happened.
Some of Iceland's secrets behind their success includes:
• Paid parental leave for both parents
• Subsidized childcare and strong public healthcare
• Corporate gender quotas and high workforce participation
• A powerful history of collective action — including the 1975 “Women’s Day Off”
These efforts resulted in a stronger economy, growing population, and a society focused on how how to achieve equality.
Japan continues its own journey toward gender equality, Iceland stands as a valuable role model on effective principles.
