On March 9, just 24 hours after Women's Day, mimosas and rhetorical phrases, theIceland did something concrete for the female condition. The island of geysers – and once also of reckless finance – has become the first country in the world where by law companies will have to demonstrate that they pay their employees without discrimination of sex, ethnicity or nationality. For equal work, men and women, Icelandic and non-Icelandic, must receive the same salary.
In detail, the government has announced a new law that imposes a every company with 25 or more employees to exhibit a certificate which ensures that equal pay is respected.
Switzerland and Minnesota also have similar legislation aimed at limiting social inequalities, but there is a difference. It lies in the fact that in Iceland it will be mandatory for companies to certify that this actually happens.
“It's the right time to do something radical – said Thorsteinn Viglundsson, minister for equality and social affairs – We must ensure that men and women enjoy equal opportunities in the workplace. It is our responsibility to take all measures to achieve this goal."
Last October, thousands of female employees they had quit their jobs at the same time (2:38 am) to protest against the difference in wages compared to men, which averages between 14 and 18 percent. Despite this, even before the new law, Iceland already was at the top of the world ranking drawn up by the World Economic Forum on respect for gender equality.
"Probably someone will object by talking about useless bureaucracy - added Viglundsson - I understand that it is an onerous obligation for companies, but we have imposed such duties because we must be bold in fighting injustices".
