My country, Iceland, has been the frontrunner in the World Economic Forum’s Global Gender Gap Index for the 11th year in a row. Despite ranking at the top, we still have a long way to go to close the gender gap and create a system for the good of us all.
Many people see gender equality as a women’s issue. However, women empowerment may be the single biggest economic and business opportunity around. It is no longer a women’s issue as greater economic growth, business success, and social prosperity surely benefit everyone. When women get a seat at the table, the conversation changes, the decision quality improves, and the bottom-line benefits everyone, including all stakeholders. We will never be truly innovative if everyone in leadership looks and talks the same. To change the system, we need diverse leadership. We need more female leaders.
I have a natural inclination to pursue equal rights and a burning passion to work toward gender equality. At the age of 20, I got the opportunity to be a part of WE2015, a global dialogue about the gender gap held in the capital, Reykjavik, where I listened to many incredible women share their perspectives. This influenced my worldview and made me realize that my contribution matters.
When you find a way to serve a purpose that is greater than your own ego, happiness and success appear in abundance. For me, that was my work with Young Professional Women in Iceland (UAK). Gender equality is not only something for women to discuss and by my initiative, UAK held a workshop based on the HeForShe Barbershop Toolbox made by UN Woman. Barbershop is an event that encourages men and boys to be a part of promoting gender equality. Our event was the first Barbershop worldwide dedicated to young leaders. I’ve had difficulty encouraging men to speak out on gender equality as they tend to think of it as only a women’s issue, but this event made me feel both motivated and optimistic.
I dream of a world where women and girls have the resources and opportunities they need to reach their full potential. Until men and women stand equal, I will continue to work and promote equality through education, discussion, and encouragement.