Remember When: Vigdis Finnbogadóttir was elected President of Iceland
On August 1, 1980, Vigdís Finnbogadóttir made history as the first woman to be democratically elected as head of state in the world. Her groundbreaking victory as President of Iceland marked a significant milestone in the global fight for gender equality and women's representation in politics.
Born in Reykjavík in 1930, Vigdís' path to the presidency was unconventional. She studied French language and literature, theater, and education in France and Denmark before returning to Iceland to work as a French teacher. Her involvement in cultural affairs, including serving as the artistic director of the Reykjavík Theatre Company, made her a well-known public figure.
Vigdís entered the presidential race in 1980 as an underdog. Despite facing three male opponents and initial skepticism, she secured a narrow victory with 33.6% of the vote. Her election was seen as a testament to Iceland's progressive attitudes towards gender equality.
As president, Vigdís used her platform to champion environmental causes, education, and Iceland's cultural heritage. She became a powerful symbol of women's empowerment, inspiring females across the globe to pursue leadership roles. Her presidency lasted 16 years, making her the longest-serving elected female head of state to date.
Vigdís' election sparked a gradual but significant shift in global politics. In the decades following her historic win, over 60 countries have elected or appointed a woman as president, prime minister, or other executive head of government at least once. Notable examples include Margaret Thatcher in the UK (1979-1990), Angela Merkel in Germany (2005-2021), and Jacinda Ardern in New Zealand (2017-2023).
As of early 2024, around 15-20 countries had women serving as either president or prime minister. This progress, while substantial, still highlights the ongoing underrepresentation of women in top leadership positions globally. The percentage of countries that have ever been led by a woman remains below 50%, and some major world powers, including the United States, China, and Russia, have yet to have a woman as head of state or government.
The trend, however, has been generally positive, with more women reaching top leadership positions over time, although progress varies across different regions and political systems.
Vigdís Finnbogadóttir's legacy extends far beyond her time in office. She has continued to be an influential voice in promoting linguistic diversity, acting as a UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador for Languages. Her impact on Icelandic society and international politics remains profound, paving the way for future generations of women leaders.
The election of Vigdís Finnbogadóttir in 1980 was more than just a personal triumph – it was a pivotal moment that challenged global perceptions of women in power and set a precedent for female leadership in the highest echelons of government. While there is still progress to be made, her groundbreaking achievement continues to inspire and motivate women in politics worldwide.
Photo credit: Laidlaw scholars