The article was originally published on visir.is on 19.06.2025

Dear Icelanders, congratulations on the Icelandic Women´s Rights Day. It is inspiring to think of the fact that Iceland was one of the first countries to grant women the right to vote on this day in the year of 1915, 110 years ago. Moreover, it is admirable to see that Iceland remains at the top of the Global Gender Gap Index made by the World Economic Forum for over a decade, as revealed by the latest publication from last week. 

The EU is reinforcing once more its commitment to empower women and girls, not only in Europe, but also across the world. Fundamental rights and values are something that have to be protected and built upon. Despite the substantial progress achieved over the past decades, the goal of true gender equality has not yet been reached. Gender-based violence, under-prioritisation and under-investment of women’s health issues, income disparities, glass ceilings and inadequate working conditions are just some of the challenges women and girls face around the world. Today, women’s rights are under threat with a global backlash against gender equality issues at large. 

Investing in women is a strategic investment in our societies and economies and can benefit women and men equally. An unequal society is a waste of human capital we cannot afford. Empowering women to be independent, active members and builders of their own societies is thus imperative to prosperity. That is why the EU is launching the Roadmap for Women’s Rights, to drive the EU’s gender equality agenda forward and to guarantee key principles and rights for all women and girls. The Roadmap will become the EU’s compass towards greater gender equality in all aspects of society and the economy.

Actions matter and we have seen the difference our policy proposals of the last five years have made. So, as we bring forward new proposals, such as the Roadmap for Women’s Rights, we place an equal priority to ensuring the full implementation of our existing policies and to support Member States in this pursuit. It is important to note that the EU recognises that when it comes to true equality, one size does not fit all. When developing new policies, the EU’s work will recognise the situation of women and girls in vulnerable situations who face any form of discrimination, and will bring targeted, intersectional support.

Gender equality must be tackled from a holistic approach and adopted in all political and civil sectors, especially in security and defence affairs. This year marks the 25th year anniversary of the UN Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace and Security. The anniversary takes place in challenging context with more armed conflicts than ever, provoking a 50% increase in the number of women living in conflict-affected areas. It is important to acknowledge that conflicts and security challenges impact women civilians disproportionately where 96% conflict related sexual violence is perpetrated against women and girls, and women are over represented amongst those displace by conflict. At the same time, women continue to be largely absent in peace mediation processes, peace negotiations and in ceasefire agreements processes.  For that reason, it is crucial to take decisive steps to counter the current challenges of changing geopolitical environment and backlash in both women´s and human rights – and I am proud to say that the EU reiterates its strong commitment to this cause.

The relationship between Iceland and the EU is first and foremost a partnership of values. We share the same vision when it comes to human rights, gender equality and the empowerment of women. It is encouraging to see Iceland’s dedication to promoting human rights and gender equality at the United Nations Human Rights Council, to which Iceland was elected in October 2024. In times like these, with geopolitical turmoil on the horizon and the rise of organized groups pushing back against gender equality measures, it is vital for likeminded states to stand together. Therefore, I look forward to follow Iceland´s important work at the UNHRC in the upcoming years. 

Author: Clara Ganslandt, EU Ambassador to Iceland