50 years ago, 24 October 1975, women in Iceland went on strike from waged and unwaged work.
50 years ago, 24 October 1975, women in Iceland went on strike from waged and unwaged work. They called it a ‘Day Off’ and 90% of women took part. They said, “When women stop, everything stops” and everything stopped in Iceland! The media hardly mentioned it but the International #WagesforHousework Campaign heard of it – we were thrilled and included their massive demonstration in our BBC film, All Work and No Pay.
In 1985, we called the 10th anniversary celebrations of the Strike and told them: “The women of Iceland opened the UN Decade for Women and the women of the world are closing it together.” We heard a roar of delight on the phone!
As part of today’s 50th anniversary celebrations, the Iceland women have gone on strike and called for all, including men, to join them. While claiming their many achievements over the decades, they are highlighting ongoing work to tackle violence against women and to finally value caring work. These remain crucial issues for all women and every society.
Two days ago, we also celebrated 50 years of the founding of the first three autonomous organisations within international Campaign: Wages Due Lesbians/Queer Strike, Black Women for Wages for Housework/Women of Colour GWS and the English Collective of Prostitutes. We continue to fight for an end to poverty, rape and domestic violence, war and genocide, sexism, racism and all discrimination, and for a care income for people and planet so every life, human and other, is valued.
50 years of making trouble, making history – we’re not done yet!
