Iceland
best country for women
For the 11th year in a row, Iceland has
been declared at the best country for women. No surprise then a woman, Katrin
Jacobsdottir, is Prime Minister. Looking remarkably like New Zealand PM,
Jacinda Ardern, she was elected in 2017 and since re-elected. Jacobsdottir has
adopted New Zealand’s `Wellbeing' budget announced in 2019.
Icelandair
Almost 40 per cent of parliamentarians in 2020 are
women. In 1973 it was just three per cent.
In 2018 Iceland was the first country to pass laws
requiring equal pay to close the gender gap. During my visit (in September 2018)
it was explained to me the law also applies to people with disabilities and
other misfortunes.
Childcare is subsidised. Men, along with women, get
paid maternity leave. Almost 90 percent of Iceland women are in the workforce.
It was not always like this. Well not until women
banded together to force change. Withdrawing their labour, schools closed.
Businesses closed. The Alliance political party was formed. And Iceland got the
best results for women. Those who turn up their noses at social democracy need
to look hard at Iceland. Being fair to all people results in a happy country
were people perform better than in most countries where only the richest
citizens reap rewards, typically at the expense of everyone else.
Iceland’s land
area is similar to New Zealand’s North Island. Its population is less than that
of Christchurch, New Zealand. I found
Icelanders courteous, competent and excellent English speakers.
Day out in Iceland
I only wish I
could make a return visit. It is on the opposite side of the world to New
Zealand. When I was there the time difference was 12 hours. All purchases were
made by credit card. Just as well. The cash needed to buy a pint, even during
happy hour, would have been hefty on my pocket.
Good but expensive
I was attracted to Iceland owing to its remote
mid-Atlantic location. I knew I would enjoy Iceland’s natural landscape
features even though they are similar to home. Luckily the weather was kind
enabling an enviable selection to be experienced at their best.
Strokkur Guysir
Knowing Iceland was taking on gender equality in a
big way was a bonus.
No comments:
Post a Comment