This week marks the 50th anniversary of Kvennafrídagurinn, or the Women’s Day Off, where 90% of women in Iceland went on strike to make society acutely aware of how much work — both in the professional sphere and domestically — was being done by them. This year, a strike will take place on Friday, October 24. Women and non-binary people are encouraged not to work, which will intentionally change the normal proceedings of Icelandic society for the entire day.
Throughout this week, several events will commemorate the history of the original strike, celebrate women and non-binary people, and create spaces for gathering. We’ve selected a few highlights down below!
October 23 — 20:00 — Iðnó — Free
KÍTÓN is the organisation in Iceland aimed towards protecting “the interests, rights, visibility and opportunities of women, and queer and trans people in the Icelandic music scene, as well as promoting solidarity, empowerment and their connections in music in Iceland.” They’ll be celebrating the Kvennaár with a series of playlists with women and non-binary musicians in the credits, and will hold this concert to release them. Taking the stage are: RAKEL, lúpína, gugusar, and DJ Tatjana. Entrance is free, but donations are always welcome. ISH
October 24 — 13:30 — Arnarhóll
On Friday, October 24, women and non-binary people in Iceland will gather amidst a full-day strike. Beginning with a historical walk at 13:30 from the corner of Sóleyjargata and Njarðargata, strikers can join at their own pace and stop along the way at various performances. Then, the strikers will gather on Arnarhóll for a demonstration, speeches, and music. For more information on participating, the history of previous strikes, and plans for the day, check out kvennaar.is/kvennaverkfall-2025/. ISH
Fischersund & RVK Poetics: An Evening Of Women’s Voices
October 24 — 19:00 — Fischersund — RSVP at fischersund.com
Within the dark walls of Fischersund’s cosy flagship store, poetry will be shared by six women poets to honour the day. Collaborating with RVK Poetics to present an evening of centring women’s voices, join them in an evening of story sharing. ISH
The Day Iceland Stood Still Screening
October 24 — 19:00 — Bíó Paradís — 2.190 ISK
When American filmmaker Pamela Hogan learned about the Women’s Day Off on 24 October 1975, she immediately wanted to make a film about it. After several years of production and interviews with dozens of women who took part in the strike that day, including Iceland’s first female president, Vigdís Finnbogadóttir, the project became an educational, striking, and at times, humorous recollection of the event. Since then, the film has travelled the world, being shown to women in countries such as China and Malawi. On the 50th anniversary of the day, the film is coming to the beloved Bíó Paradís. IZ
October 24 — 20:00 — Salurinn — 4.500 ISK
Musican 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. Combining music, film, dance, acting, and noise, this performance creates a shared space for those reflecting, grieving, and celebrating on this historic day. IZ & ISH
Hvað er í blýhólknum Screening (In Icelandic, without English subtitles)
October 26 — 14:30 — Bíó Paradís — 1.290 ISK
As part of Bíó Paradís’ Bíótekið series, the 1971 satirical film Hvað er í blýhólknum, written by Svava Jakobsdóttir, will be shown. After the screening, the filmmaker Vera Sölvadóttir and the venerable actress Guðrún Ásmundsdóttir will come together for an open conversation. ISH
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