Konudagur - Woman's Day in Iceland

Index

• The Key points regarding Women's Day in Iceland

• How the UK celebrates International Women’s Day 8th March

• Konudagur: Celebrating Women's Day in Iceland

• Origin of Women's Day in Iceland: The Tradition of Góa

• Embracing feminine strength in nature: Icelandic women love outdoor sports and adventures

• Inspiring Icelandic women to celebrate

• Iceland’s strength of gender equality

• Gender equality in Iceland today

• A pivotal catalyst for global change

• Celebrating Konudagur in Iceland: Celebrating Women's Contributions

• Women’s Day: Increasingly similar to Valentine’s Day

• Celebrate the women in your life on Konudagur

Key findings for Women's Day in Iceland:

• In Iceland Women’s Day is called Konudagur, the name has been in use since the 1800s, although the tradition of women’s day in Iceland goes back much further to the ancient Nordic calendar.  The modern celebration of Konudagur represents gender equality,

• Women’s Day in Iceland is an ancient tradition that is celebrated on the first day of Góa in the traditional Icelandic calendar which falls close to St Valentine’s Day in February.  It’s a holiday to celebrate women.

• Iceland is consistently listed as one of the best countries for gender equality globally.

• Icelandic women went on strike in 1975.  The 1975 Icelandic Women’s Strike proved to be a pivotal moment in the history of gender equality in Iceland and around the world, inspiring women everywhere to demand equal rights and opportunities. 

• In 1980 Vigdís Finnbogadóttir, was elected as the world’s first democratically elected female president. A key moment in Icelandic and global history.

• Today, Iceland remains a global leader in gender equality. The small island nation ranks among the highest for women’s rights and opportunities.  Iceland’s equality inspires other countries around the world.

How the UK celebrates International Women’s Day 8th March

The UK celebrations of International Women’s Day are low key when compared to Iceland’s Konudagur.  It may be because women are celebrated considerably more on Mothering Sunday that usually falls in the same month and also on St Valentine’s Day which always falls on 14th February.

International Women’s Day began in the USA, but the fixed date originates from a strike in Russia during WW1 when women asked for “bread and peace”.  In the UK Mothering Sunday, also known as Mother’s Day,  is the main UK celebration of women, not just actual mothers, but women with pets and those who are honourable mothers (favourite aunts or carers) are celebrated by those who love them.  The day always falls on the 4th Sunday of lent, so the date is not fixed.  St Valentine’s Day sees lovers celebrating each other, although it is biased towards men celebrating the women in their lives.  Unlike Iceland’s women’s day, International Women’s Day is not a holiday in the UK; maybe due to falling so close to two other celebrations its not widely acknowledged or celebrated.  

Konudagur: Celebrating Women's Day in Iceland

There are national and international holidays that celebrate women all over the world.  International Women’s Day is a “catch all” Mother’s Day is celebrated in various countries on various dates.  Worldwide there are national and local legends, traditions regarding powerful female figures and ancient goddess celebrations. 

In Iceland, Women’s Day is called Konudagur and it’s an annual significant cultural occasion.  Konudagur is rooted in centuries of Icelandic tradition, these days Konudagur represents the Iceland’s groundbreaking gender equality that has influenced global equality. 

Read on to explore Icelandic history, traditions and more regarding women, gender equality and activism in Iceland.

Origin of Women's Day in Iceland: the tradition of Góa

Goa celebrations are based around the old Norse calendar, although Iceland now uses the same Christian calendar that we do, many traditions still hark back to the Norse calendar and in particular many of the ancient traditional month names are still utilised.  Goa falls in February and offers a time to celebrate the lengthening and brighter days bringing the promise of spring.  It’s the second to last of the five winter months.

Representing renewal Goa always starts on a Sunday.  The first day of Goa is Women’s Day, a long held traditional day to celebrate and pamper women.

In ancient tradition Viking women primarily held roles as mothers, homemakers, and businesswomen managing farms and leading families.  Some of the Icelandic sagas and historical accounts suggest the existence of skjaldmær (shield-maidens), female warriors.  Skjaldmær dressed in men’s clothing and often led troops, they appear in raids, military expeditions and feuds.

Embracing feminine strength in nature: Icelandic women love outdoor sports and adventures

Icelandic women are known for their strength and resilience and this is probably due to their love of the great outdoors, they’ve always embraced the stunning nature and Iceland landscapes.

Activities like hiking, camping and mountain climbing are much more than hobbies in Iceland: they’re cherished regular activities equally enjoyed by men and women. When it comes to outdoor sports in Iceland, gender is irrelevant. Icelander’s love their land of fire and ice, the rugged beauty, the challenges that are there to be met.  The Icewear range of women’s outdoor clothing is designed for active women who demand equality of fit and function.

Women’s Day in Iceland acts as a reminder of advancing global gender equality whilst women in Iceland thrive and inspire.  As a nation Iceland continues to celebrate the achievements of its women, past and present, the spirit of Góa lives on to inspire future generations to embrace women’s resilience and full potential in Iceland and beyond.

Inspiring Icelandic women to celebrate

Outdoor sports, adventures, politics, entertainment and more…

Vilborg Arna Gissurarsóttir

Contemporary Famous Icelander Vilborg is a high achieving adventurer. If you’re interested in celebrating the achievements of women, then Iceland’s female explorer Vilborg Arna Gissurarsóttir deserves a space in your Icelandic and inspiring women knowledge.  Incredibly in 2017 Vilborg was the first woman to reach the Mount Everest summit and only the 7th Icelandic national to do so. 

Vilborg didn’t stop there, the accomplished skier walked alone and unsupported to reach the South Pole. Setting out from Union Glacier in Antarctica Vilborg reached the South Pole 60 days later.  A truly inspirational woman for all of us who love to explore and be challenged by outdoor sports.

Vigdís Finnbogadóttir

It would be wrong to mention inspirational Icelandic women without including the achievement of Vigdís Finnbogadóttir becoming the first democratically voted female president. Vigdís is an icon for women worldwide and the epitome of a strong Icelandic woman.

Jóhanna Sigurðardóttir

Sticking with politics Jóhanna Sigurðardóttir, not only did she hold a parliamentary seat for 35 consecutive years, she became the first female prime minister of Iceland and the first openly gay prime minister globally too.

Björk Guðmundsdóttir

From this list of brief exploration into inspirational Icelandic women, Björk is probably the name that you are most likely to know. Björk is probably the most globally famous Icelander, the highly popular multi-award winning musical star is also an education and climate activist.

Dagný Brynjarsdóttir

Dagný will be known to British football fans as the tall number 10 West Ham United player.  She’s captained the West Ham women’s team and also plays for Iceland.  Mother of 2 Dagný has been with West Ham since 2021.

Auður Djúpúðga

Perhaps it all began with Auður Djúpúðga, a Viking woman who sailed to Iceland having commandeered a ship for her family and friends.  After not the most auspicious of starts – the ship crashed as they arrived, all survived and Auður set up a farm in the west of Iceland.  The “never give up spirit” of Icelandic women is frequently linked to Auður with many strong women being able to link their heritage to the pioneering Auður.

Hildur Yeoman

It makes sense to conclude with Hildur Yeoman, the Icelandic fashion designer whose award winning self-named brand dresses stars such as Ellie Golding, Taylor Swift and of course Björk.

Iceland’s strength of gender equality

Iceland has long been at the forefront of gender equality, championing women’s rights and has many firsts of women’s successes.  Above are just some examples of Icelandic women who paved the way for others to follow.  Iceland nationals are understandably proud of all that their females have achieved and continue to achieve.

A pivotal catalyst for global change

In 1975 Icelandic women went on strike, they refused to work, look after children or cook, instead they took to the streets to rally, requesting equal rights for men. Many businesses had to close and fathers had to look after their children for the day, many opting to take them to work armed with colouring pencils and sweets.  It was a day of feminine power, a show of strength and solidarity that is often described as a catalyst for global change regarding equality.

Celebrating Konudagur in Iceland: celebrating women's contributions

Konudagur is a celebration of women in Iceland, it’s a traditional day that celebrates the importance of women in Icelandic culture.

Iceland’s Konudagur has similarities to Mother’s Day  that is a celebration in many countries.  Men and children give gifts, frequently handmade crafts, chocolates, traditional wool gloves and hats, as expressions of gratitude.  Where it goes further is that Konudagur is frequently the  opportunity to celebrate women’s achievements in community gatherings.

Konudagur events are  a reflection of Icelandic culture of a lasting commitment to the promotion of women’s achievements and empowerment.  Frequently something that is explored through ongoing discussion on crucial social issues.  Some celebrate through cultural performances, art exhibitions or through panel discussions on gender equality.  Konudagur is a big celebration across Iceland, that always serves as a lasting reminder of the resilience of women and their contributions to Icelandic and global society.

Women’s Day: Increasingly similar to Valentine’s Day

Iceland celebrates love differently to other countries, while the UK celebrates love and romance on St Valentines Day in Iceland Konudagur celebrates women and Bóndadagur (husbands’ day) that falls in January celebrates men in a similar way.  Although due to Konudagur’s closeness to Valentines Day on the calendar the two are increasingly becoming linked with the gifts that other countries give on Valentines Day of chocolates and treats being incorporated in the gift selection in Iceland for Konudagur. It can work both ways, Valentines Day can align closer to Konudagur.

Celebrate the women in your life on Konudagur

Surprise the women in your life on Iceland’s women’s day by giving them an extra gift.  The perfect gift is something traditionally Icelandic and it would be a terrific opportunity for a romantic trip to Iceland for the special lady in your life.  When you have kids, something crafted with love as a gift to mum will be a treat to cherish.

Celebrate the women in your life with an open heart, love and joy.

Sources

https://icelanddiscover.is/konudagur/

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-64723201

https://yourfriendinreykjavik.com/womans-day-and-goa/

https://soleyorganics.com/blogs/news/womens-day-in-iceland-honoring-vigdis-finnbogadottir

https://www.historyskills.com/classroom/ancient-history/shield-maidens/?srsltid=AfmBOoqoniXFx8Ud2W3IXFGUbwK1mHxaRbB6m92snj1km22lT2PGsBN9

https://www.icelandreview.com/news/first-icelandic-woman-conquer-everest/?srsltid=AfmBOoqvl928yb6ZhRrf6h3YSTHvllKmBz5qZwMqXqDyNA0jKBu-BfP4

https://www.jeffreydonenfeld.com/blog/2013/01/icelandic-skier-vilborg-arna-gissurardottir-completes-her-epic-trek-to-the-south-pole/

https://www.icelandtravel.is/blog/icelandic-women/

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-34602822