Women-run businesses and organisations you should know about
Usually in The Haul, we give you a peek into our shopping bag (or the shopping bag of someone far more interesting than us). This time, instead of diving into the capitalist frenzy, and to continue our theme of highlighting the past 50 years of the fight for gender equality in Iceland, we’ve asked musician Sóley Stefánsdóttir to give a shout-out to women-owned businesses and organisations that deserve your support and attention, all year round.
1. marvaða — A female-run music label and art community highlighting women and non-binary artists. Even though primarily being a record label with inspiring artists they just opened a super cool art space at Grandi where they host some very interesting events including music and visual art.
2. Kítón — Kítón or Konur í tónlist (The Association of Women in Music in English) plays a vital role in our industry. It’s crucial to have an active, supportive group ready to step up when needed. Let’s face it, it’s still harder for women to break into top radio charts, especially in roles beyond performing. When women are played on the radio, they’re often featured as singers, but rarely recognised as composers or producers. That needs to change. Can we also talk about this: women grow up listening to both women and men. But men? They mostly listen to other men. That imbalance shapes how we value voices — literally and culturally. It’s time we change that.
3. Læti! — Læti! (formerly known as Stelpur Rokka!) is an organisation that works with a feminist ideal to empower young girls (cis and trans), trans boys, and genderqueer and intersex youth through music creation and equality work. From a young age, we need to empower girls — to tell them again and again that they can do the same things boys can, if that’s what they want. It might sound like old news, but trust me, it’s not. I have two daughters — and I’m living through this right now.
4. Gerðarsafn — Gerðarsafn is a contemporary art museum in Kópavogur. The museum is named after artist Gerður Helgadóttir (1928-1975), a versatile visual artist who worked with sculpture, stained glass, and mosaic. If you are in downtown Reykjavík you should go look at her enormous mosaic artwork on Tollhúsið on Tryggvagata. Gerðarsafn is the only museum in Iceland named in honour of a female artist. What!?
5. Systrasamlagið — A super charming organic café run by two sisters Jóhanna and Guðrún. It focuses on delicious healthy and wholesome food (and cakes!) and I love it.
6. Kramhúsið — A women-owned and operated dance studio in the heart of Reykjavík. Founded by Hafdís Árnadóttir, the studio has been a vibrant hub for dance and cultural expression for over three decades. It’s so colourful and full of energy. Every time I go there, I am excited like a child, every time I leave, I’m smiling — it’s the best place in town!
7. BAHNS — A slow fashion brand owned by Helga Lilja Magnúsdóttir. BAHNS sweaters are the best. Helga also recently worked with UN WOMEN designing their 2025 t-shirt. The design is inspired by the resilience and courage of Afghan women who are facing unimaginable oppression and adversity — from 33.900 ISK for BAHNS sweaters, available at bahns.org; 7.900 ISK for UN Women t-shirt, available at gjafaverslun.unwomen.is
8. Free Palestine — A shout out to the artist Julia Mai who painted the Palestinian flag with the message Frjáls Palestína (Free Palestine) on Vegamótastígur. Go hug the wall and pray for the nausiating genocide to end.
On October 24, Sóley collaborates with director Samantha Shay and other performers for the interdisciplinary concert performance quean : kven : queen. The piece explores ecofeminism, climate grief, and being present in the world, while paying tribute to trailblazing women. Don’t miss it — Salurinn Tónlistarhús, 20:00.
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