REYKJAVIK, Oct 24 - Tens of thousands of Icelandic women, including the prime minister, participated in a 24-hour strike on Tuesday to protest gender inequality. The strike aimed to raise awareness about various issues, including pay gaps, gender-based violence, and the unequal burden of unpaid work such as childcare.

Schools, libraries, and hospitals across the small island nation operated on limited hours or closed for the day as female staff members showed solidarity by staying home. This strike marks the first full-day protest since the historic women's event in 1975, where 90% of Icelandic women participated in a similar demonstration against gender inequality.

Under the slogan "Do you call this equality?", the strike was organized by Icelandic women and non-binary individuals, united in their pursuit of equal treatment. Despite Iceland's reputation as one of the world's most progressive countries in terms of gender equality, with 14 consecutive years topping the World Economic Forum's gender gap index, disparities persist in certain industries and professions.

Statistics Iceland reveals that women in some sectors earn at least 20% less than their male counterparts. The strike aims to shed light on these discrepancies and urge prompt action to address them. Sonja Rut Adalsteinsdottir, a participant in the strike, highlighted the importance of the demonstration for future generations, saying, "I am here for my daughters and all other women in this country."

According to a study conducted by the University of Iceland, 40% of Icelandic women experience gender-based and sexual violence during their lifetime. This striking statistic further emphasizes the urgent need to address the gender disparities that still persist in Iceland's seemingly equal society.

Freyja Steingrimsdottir, a strike organizer and the communications director for the Icelandic Federation for Public Workers, expressed the motivation behind the protest, stating, "We're seeking to bring attention to the fact that we're called an equality paradise, but there are still gender disparities and an urgent need for action." She specifically highlighted the undervaluing and lower wages in female-led professions like healthcare services and childcare.

As the strike concluded, Thorgerdur Katrin Gunnarsdottir, an Icelandic lawmaker, reflected on the significance of the event, noting the celebration of the nation's foremothers and role models for equality. "We need equality, we need justice, we need freedom," she emphasized, sending a resolute message from Iceland that unity is key in the fight for gender equality.

The 24-hour strike by Icelandic women serves as a powerful reminder that, even in a country recognized for its progress in gender equality, there is an ongoing struggle for true parity. The call for action reverberates not only within Iceland but also around the globe, urging societies to continuously strive for equal treatment, opportunities, and respect for all individuals, regardless of gender.