Portal de Periódicos da CAPES

“President Vigdís”: The End and the Beginning of Women’s Agenda in Iceland

2016; Springer Vienna; Linguagem: Inglês

10.1007/978-3-319-44758-2_4

2190-5436

Inga Minelgaitė,

Hungarian Social, Economic and Educational Studies

Iceland is on the top of gender equality ranking in the world, as well as one of the best countries for women to live in. The history of women’s movement in Iceland is long and complex and is similar to other western countries in many regards. However, a unique milestone marks the history of women’s movement in Iceland—the election of the woman President of the Republic. In 1980 Vigdís Finnbogadóttir was the first woman in the world elected President in a national election. This was a symbolic victory of the women of the world in their quest for equality and human rights. The presidency of President Vigdís lasted for 12 years. Election of President Vigdís made Iceland a major reference point in discussion on women’s equality issues for decades to come. In this article the complexities surrounding President Vigdís’ rise are analyzed—why at that particular time? Why Vigdís Finnbogadóttir? Why in Iceland?