Helen Hames: A Movie Night with Angela Lima
On October 24, 1975, Iceland experienced a pivotal moment that reshaped gender equality globally and inspired progress in places like Rhode Island. On this day, women across the country, many in their 20s to 40s, chose to take a full day off from both paid and unpaid work.
As 90% of Iceland’s women stopped working, schools, newspapers, banks, shops, and households came to a standstill. For the first time, men had to manage both work and childcare responsibilities simultaneously. This day revealed how much Iceland’s economy and daily life relied on women's labor and ignited a national conversation about equality, recognition, and value.
Commemorating a Historic Milestone
Fifty years later, to mark this important anniversary and emphasize the ongoing need to support gender equality policies, the League of Women Voters of Newport County organized a screening of The Day Iceland Stood Still at the Jane Pickens Theater in Newport.
"The event featured remarks and a post-screening Q&A with the film’s director, Pamela Hogan, an Emmy Award-winning filmmaker."
This gathering highlighted the lasting impact of the 1975 strike and the importance of continued dialogue to protect and advance gender equality.
Summary: The 1975 Icelandic women’s strike exposed the vital role women play in society and continues to inspire global efforts toward gender equality today.
What's Up Newp — 2025-11-07