,,Konur, friður og öryggi í breyttum heimi“ – Ávarp á viðburði haldinn af ÖBÍ í samstarfi við UN Women á Íslandi

Ávarp dómsmálaráðherra á viðburðinum ,,Konur, friður og öryggi í breyttum heimi“ – haldinn af ÖBÍ í samstarfi við UN Women á Íslandi í Mannréttindahúsinu í tilefni alþjóðlegs baráttudags kvenna, 6. mars 2025.

Distinguished ambassors, panelists and guests,

I would like to start by thanking you for the invitation to take part in this event, celebrating International Women‘s Day.
I would also like to express my gratitude to ÖBÍ - Icelandic Disability Alliance and UN Women Iceland for their very important work in support of equality.
In addition to being Minister of Justice, I am the minister responsible for equality and human rights, a function that was transferred to my ministry with the formation of the new government in Iceland. It is especially gratifying for me to be the minister responsible for this important area, and I would like to take this opportunity to state that I intend to prioritise equality issues in my work during my term as minister. I personally believe that violence against women is one of the biggest threats to women's human right and want to put an emphasis on fighting violence against women.

Dear guests,
Violence against women and girls is a form of discrimination, deeply rooted in intersecting inequalities and systematic power imbalances. One of the core promises made in the Beijing declaration was that every woman and girl should enjoy a life free from violence. Regrettably – 30 years later – gender-based and sexual violence remains one of the greatest human rights challenges of our time.
Violence against disabled women is particularly concerning. The fact that disabled women are much more likely to be subjected to sexual violence is unacceptable, and this must be given special attention.
In its platform, my government states that we intend to prioritise equal status and equal rights for all, to support marginalised groups and eradicate deep-rooted prejudices in society, including through education on equality and LGBTQ issues. At the same time, to work against division and suspicion and build trust and cohesion in our society.
We also intend to improve public safety, by significantly increasing the number of police officers during our term of office and by taking firm action against organized crime, cybercrime, human trafficking, and gender-based violence.

I intend to initiate work on a dated action plan to combat human trafficking, I will also complete work on the National Plan for the Implementation of the Council of Europe’s Istanbul Convention on Preventing and Combating Violence against Women and Domestic Violence. Awareness-raising events will also be held about the Convention, aimed at increasing public consciousness and understanding of the different manifestations of violence covered by the Convention. Furthermore, I intend to systematically promote the UN Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW).
During my almost 80 days in office, I have already announced plans to increase police numbers, as in my opinion an understaffed police force threatens the security of everyone, especially women. Also, I have already launched a comprehensive review of the legislation and practice on restraining orders and stalking, including the use of ankle bracelets specifically with regard to violations of restraining orders. This is closely linked to the reality facing women subject to harassment. Far too many cases arise where restraining orders are repeatedly violated, and therefore this work is long overdue.

Distinguished guests,
We are also here today to discuss the importance of considering the perspective of women when it comes to decisions on peace and security.

In Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace, and Security, adopted in 2000, the Council formally emphasized for the first time that war and conflict have different impacts on the genders and the importance of women’s involvement in security and peace matters on an equal footing with men, for the sake of security and peace.

Iceland has made significant efforts to advance the implementation of resolutions on women, peace, and security and was among the first member states of the United Nations to develop its own national action plan for the implementation of the resolution in 2008.
The government will soon present its fourth national action plan for the years 2025–2030.
The action plan will focus among other things on increasing the participation of women in security and defense matters and their involvement in peace processes and post-conflict reconstruction and ensuring the protection of women and girls in areas of conflict. In implementing these measures, special attention must be given to women and girls with disability.

Dear guests,
This year we mark a major milestone in Iceland, as 50 years have passed since the Women's Day of 1975. On that day, Icelandic women of all ages, throughout the country, ceased their work - to draw attention to women's contributions to society. Women had long since tired of the inequality prevailing in all areas of society and, through their collective power, have succeeded in moving mountains. Their solidarity in 1975, transcending political parties, class, and status, attracted global attention.
Just as the women activists of previous decades gave their all to move things in the right direction, as Minister for equality I want to do my part to create a better world for our daughters and future generations.

Iceland has long been a leading nation in gender equality, and we remain committed to doing our part, both at home and abroad. We must continue to push forward and defend the progress we have fought so hard to achieve. Experience shows us that advances can be reversed with a single stroke of the pen. We need to stand guard and never retreat where equality is concerned.

Finally, I would like to mention, that to reflect our commitment to human rights - Iceland has recently taken a seat on the United Nations Human Rights Council. One of our top priorities will be advancing the human rights of women and girls. I intend to use that platform well to advocate for the importance of gender equality for all women and girls, in all their diversity.

Thank you.