Amanpour 'The Day Iceland Stood Still'
Dec 22, 2025
Hátla Tomásdóttir, President of Iceland, shares her insights on the 1975 women's strike, reflecting on its profound impact on gender equality and societal change. She recalls how the strike inspired unity among women, leading to critical policy advancements. Gayle Young, former CNN correspondent, discusses her memoir detailing investigative reporting on female genital mutilation in Egypt, highlighting its role in sparking public discourse and legislative changes. Both guests illuminate the ongoing journey towards equality and the power of journalism in driving social reform.
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Strike Revealed Women's Invisible Value
- Icelandic women proved their economic and social value by stopping work and home duties on October 24, 1975.
- That collective act forced the nation to reckon with gender roles and jump-started broad societal change.
A Child's Memory Of A Mother's Strike
- Hátla Tomásdóttir recalls that the strike fell on her mother's birthday and they didn't bake or clean that day.
- Her mother's simple answer was they wanted to show that they matter, which shaped Hátla's sense of possibility.
Humor Made A Movement Watchable
- Pamela Hogan discovered the event via a tiny Lonely Planet note and was struck it had no film history.
- She found the women's mix of humor and courage made the story both powerful and filmable.