Gender Equality: Iceland as a case study for the world

Our Equal Rights Program

Our policy is prepared in accordance with Act No. 150/2020. The Equal Rights Committee, which operates within the company, supports management and ensures that the policy is followed.

Snapshot of Iceland’s gender policies and laws

• Women’s equality is protected by law

• 'Equal Pay For Equal Work' is mandatory

• The boards of larger companies must include at least 40% women

We are proud to be acknowledged as one of the world’s most gender equal countries. Supported by an extensive welfare system, Iceland also has extremely low inequality, which has allowed the nation’s creativity to thrive. Our team is a product of this cultural and political landscape, and we count world-class designers and innovators in our team and network. Our company ethos and management style reflects Iceland’s gender and human rights laws, which are also echoed in the joint ownership of 66°North by husband and wife team Helgi Óskarsson and Bjarney Harðardóttir.

Efforts will be made to ensure that the gender ratio in management positions, departments, and stores is as equal as possible.

Emphasis is placed on flexibility in work and the balance between work and personal life.

There are equal opportunities for career development, vocational training, and education.

• Iceland has one of the best parental leave policies in the world

• From preschool to college, children learn that gender equality matters

• There is a ‘Ministry of Gender Equality’

Bullying, gender-based violence, genderbased harassment, and sexual harassment are not tolerated.

Job satisfaction, work facilities, and accessibility are exemplary.

Equality exists in the company as a whole, regardless of gender, national origin, religion, age, place of residence, sexual orientation, race, or other.