Katrín Jakobsdóttir, Prime Minister of Iceland (Iceland)
Women and Adversity:
21st Century Women
Katrín Jakobsdóttir
Prime Minister of Iceland
Another example of a woman who has become leader of her country is Katrín Jakobsdóttir (pronounced jack obs deh⸍ tier), prime minister of Iceland since 2017. We have all heard of Iceland, but I only learned more about it because Jakobsdóttir is a world woman leader.
Iceland is an island country in the North Atlantic between North America and Europe. Scotland is its nearest neighbor but still 500 miles away. Reykjavík is its capital. A mere 360,000 residents, most of whom live in Reykjavík, inhabit the island’s 40,000 square miles (103,000 square km). It is the least inhabited country in Europe.
Jakobsdóttir, 46, has the reputation of being the most trusted politician in Iceland. She is an advocate for women and equal rights, chair of the Left-Green Movement, an environmentalist and proponent of climate change and chair of the Council of Women World Leaders. She opposes membership in NATO, although the country will remain a member. She also opposes joining the European Union. The diligent readers will find out why!
Katrín Jakobsdóttir:
- Born February 1, 1976 in Reykjavík, Iceland’s capital
- 1999 – earned bachelor’s degree from University of Iceland, major in Icelandic, minor in French
- 2004 – master’s degree in Icelandic literature from U. of Iceland
- 1999 – 2003 – language adviser at the news agency RÚV
- 2004 – 2006 – freelance writer
- 2004 – 2007 – taught life-long learning and leisure at Mimir School
- 2005 – 2007 – lecturer at universities
Political Career:
- 2003 – deputy chair of Left-Green Movement
- 2013 – now – chair of Left-Green Movement
- 2009-2013 – minister of education, science and culture; minister of Nordic co-operation
- 2017 – November, mandated to lead the government
- 2020 – appointed chair of the Council of Women World Leaders
Personal life:
- Married to Gunnar Örn Sigvaldason
- Three sons
Learn more about her:
Katrín Jakobsdóttir, Prime Minister, Iceland – YouTube
Katrín Jakobsdóttir – Wp2032
www.facebook.com/VGKatrinJakobsdottir
Iceland is at an advantage by having her as its leader.
PM Katrin Jakobsdottir has emerged as a real powerhouse, not only in Iceland, but also with her strong stands and assertions, in making her voice heard with NATO and the UN. Her distinction shows in her focus & priority regarding Sustainable Development Goals. Iceland geographically is much more vulnerable than the leading world powers, and her long-range vision challenges their shorter immediate views.