Solidarity and Empowerment – Women of Foreign Origin in Iceland
The Association of Women of Foreign Origin in Iceland (W.O.M.E.N. in Iceland) works to improve the rights and status of women of foreign background living in the country. The organization was founded on October 24, 2003 — the anniversary of Iceland’s historic Women’s Strike Day — at Hallveigarstaðir in Reykjavík, home to several of Iceland’s major women’s organizations.
A member of the Icelandic Women’s Rights Association, W.O.M.E.N. serves as a unifying voice for immigrant women, advocating for equality and participation in all aspects of Icelandic society. The association’s mission is to bring together women from different cultural backgrounds, address shared challenges, and ensure their perspectives are heard in public debate and policymaking.
In 2005, W.O.M.E.N. took part in the Women’s Strike for the first time, marching alongside Icelandic women. That day, Amal Tamimi delivered a historic speech on behalf of the organization, declaring:
“Women of foreign origin live with double discrimination — because of both nationality and gender.”
In 2018, the association received the City of Reykjavík Human Rights Award for its vital role in raising awareness about the situation of immigrant women in Iceland and amplifying their voices during the #MeToo movement.
Today, W.O.M.E.N. continues to fight for equality and to empower women of foreign origin to take part in Icelandic society — on their own terms and in their own voices.