Iceland's Historic Women's Strike Documentary Screened at Embassy

On 1st of July, the Embassy of Iceland in Beijing hosted a special screening of the powerful documentary The Day Iceland Stood Still. The event was opened by Ambassador Þórir Ibsen and featured a post-screening discussion with the film’s co-director and producer, Hrafnhildur Gunnarsdóttir.

The screening attracted a full house, with around 120 attendees filling the embassy’s event space. The atmosphere was vibrant and engaged, with the audience deeply moved by the film’s message and history.

The Day Iceland Stood Still tells the compelling story of October 24th, 1975, when 90% of Icelandic women went on strike to highlight their indispensable role in society and demand gender equality. On that day, shops closed, schools did not open, flights were cancelled—and for many men, it was the first time they had to take full responsibility for household and childcare duties. This unprecedented demonstration of solidarity marked a turning point in Icelandic history and helped pave the way for Iceland becoming one of the most gender-equal countries in the world.