Seminar on the status of women of foreign origin on International Women's Day

On Women's Equality Day, 24 October, the seminar „Modern Feminism – The Position of Women of Foreign Origin in the Labour Market“ was held, where the position of women of foreign origin in the labour market was discussed. rights and participation of women of foreign origin in the Icelandic labour market and in society.

The Federation of Icelandic Trade Unions organised the seminar, and Vanessa Monika Isenmann, a project manager in Icelandic at Mímir, chaired the meeting. Among the guests were Thorbjörg Sigríður Gunnlaugsdóttir, Minister for Justice, Hanna Katrín Friðriksson, Minister for Economic Affairs, and Finnbjörn A. Hermannsson, President of the ASÍ. Also taking part were representatives of trade unions, ministries, training centres, and immigrant women from a wide range of professions from all over the country.

The programme featured the personal stories of women of foreign origin, presentations by stakeholders and a panel discussion which addressed, among other things, pay equality, recognition of qualifications and skills, access to Icelandic language courses, and how to ensure women of foreign origin have equal opportunities for career development and active participation in society.

The discussions revealed that women of foreign origin play a key role in Icelandic society. They make up around 12.1% of the labour market, yet they face systemic barriers, low pay and a lack of visibility. Participants agreed that diversity is an important resource and that the fight for equality must include all women, both indigenous and immigrant.

It was important for Mímis to be part of this conversation, as Icelandic language learning and the further education of immigrants are among the main pillars of its work and are in line with Mímis's aim of creating opportunities for everyone to learn and participate actively in Icelandic society.