umferðina

Umferðina refers to a significant event in Icelandic history, specifically the 1975 women's strike, known in Icelandic as *Kvennafrí* or *Umferðina*. This landmark protest was one of the largest labor strikes in Icelandic history and played a crucial role in advancing gender equality in the country.

The strike was called by the Icelandic Women’s Association (*Kvenréttindafélag Íslands*) and took place on October 24, 1975, coinciding with the country’s National Day celebrations. Thousands of women across Iceland participated by staying home from work, school, and household duties, demonstrating their collective power and the economic contributions they made to society. The strike was inspired by the 1970 women’s strike in Italy, which similarly highlighted women’s unpaid labor in domestic work.

Umferðina was not just a protest against gender inequality but also a call for better working conditions, equal pay, and greater political representation for women. The strike drew widespread public support, with men participating in solidarity marches and taking on domestic responsibilities to show solidarity. The event gained international attention and is often cited as a pivotal moment in the feminist movement.

The success of the strike led to significant legislative changes, including the establishment of a gender equality commission and the eventual passage of laws addressing wage disparities and workplace discrimination. Umferðina remains a symbol of Iceland’s progressive stance on gender equality and is commemorated annually as part of International Women’s Day celebrations.

Today, Umferðina is remembered as a powerful example of grassroots activism and a turning point in Iceland’s social and political landscape. Its legacy continues to influence discussions on women’s rights and labor movements worldwide.