Thora Arnorsdottir
Thora Arnorsdottir, journalist and 2012 presidential candidate for Iceland.
iKNOW Politics: When you decided to run in Iceland’s presidential election, you were seven months pregnant. Was there any particular reaction from public opinion? Do you think your personal situation had an influence in the final result?
The public’s reaction was mixed. Many were very glad and excited; others were shocked and even outraged. Icelanders are in general a very tolerant nation but this was definitely a way to make people face their own prejudices. “I’m not voting for her for the sake of her children” was a phrase often heard. I don’t remember anyone being shocked or worried for the children of David Cameron and Tony Blair that were born while their fathers were serving as the prime minister of the UK. Having children is the most natural thing. Why should that make women in child-bearing age incapable of serving high-rank positions? Why should my husband not have the right to choose to stay at home with our children and be the main caretaker?
Most people didn’t really mind, though. In the end it’s not other people’s business how one decides to run a family, but how fit the person is for the job. It’s a question of getting used to an unusual idea. For example, there was a lot of talk about the first member of government that got pregnant and went on maternal leave. The next time it happened, we had got used to it and nobody really cared.
Yes, my personal situation definitely had an influence in the final result. Mostly because I checked out of the campaign for 2 or 3 weeks –when I was about to give birth- while the incumbent used the opportunity to start his campaign on very negative terms, slandering and jumping in mud. I decided not to respond to it, which maybe was a mistake. I can also admit that it took a while to gain full strength again after the birth, so the first TV debate was not benefitial for my campaign. In any case, critiques were not only about having a baby, but also about my age. Many thought I was just too young… but our new prime minister that was voted last spring is my exact age [38]!
iKNOW Politics: Nordic countries are usually seen as an example of gender equality. In your opinion, what are the reasons for this? Could we say that women in Iceland have achieved gender equality?
The reasons are simple. It’s because we, as a society, have decided that it’s how we want things to be. It’s not something that came from above. It’s been a long journey, with many baby steps and each generation moving us a little bit more forward towards equality. We've been lucky to have very strong women as role models that have led the way and been prepared to take all the negative critiques that you get when you pave the way.
No, we have most certainly not reached gender equality. The salary gap is still too large, there are way too few women in high ranking positions both in politics and business and women still carry a much larger share of the household chores on their shoulders than their male partners. It’s a continuous struggle, but I hope we’re moving in the right direction. Research shows that too many young men between 16 and 24 are becoming increasingly sexist, and too many young women are not aware of the battles their foremothers have fought to give them the rights they enjoy.
iKNOW Politics: You once stated that you have “no interest in participating in party politics at all”. Do you think the role of political parties should be redefined?
I see political parties as a necessity in a functioning democracy. It’s normal that people who share ideals group together and fight for them. But when those groups become institutions with their own life, a state within the state, they stop being a necessity and become a problem. I have nothing against political parties; I’m just not interested in participating in party politics. I prefer working in the media, covering the acts and consequences of their work.
iKNOW Politics: What is your advice for young women wanting to enter politics?
First study, read and travel. Never let anyone tell you that your opinion is less important, less interesting or less valuable than others. You are not “young and unexperienced” while the young man next to you is “promising”. And please, please, don‘t let people drag you down with comments on your looks and clothes!
Thora Arnorsdottir, journalist and 2012 presidential candidate for Iceland.
iKNOW Politics: When you decided to run in Iceland’s presidential election, you were seven months pregnant. Was there any particular reaction from public opinion? Do you think your personal situation had an influence in the final result?
The public’s reaction was mixed. Many were very glad and excited; others were shocked and even outraged. Icelanders are in general a very tolerant nation but this was definitely a way to make people face their own prejudices. “I’m not voting for her for the sake of her children” was a phrase often heard. I don’t remember anyone being shocked or worried for the children of David Cameron and Tony Blair that were born while their fathers were serving as the prime minister of the UK. Having children is the most natural thing. Why should that make women in child-bearing age incapable of serving high-rank positions? Why should my husband not have the right to choose to stay at home with our children and be the main caretaker?
Most people didn’t really mind, though. In the end it’s not other people’s business how one decides to run a family, but how fit the person is for the job. It’s a question of getting used to an unusual idea. For example, there was a lot of talk about the first member of government that got pregnant and went on maternal leave. The next time it happened, we had got used to it and nobody really cared.
Yes, my personal situation definitely had an influence in the final result. Mostly because I checked out of the campaign for 2 or 3 weeks –when I was about to give birth- while the incumbent used the opportunity to start his campaign on very negative terms, slandering and jumping in mud. I decided not to respond to it, which maybe was a mistake. I can also admit that it took a while to gain full strength again after the birth, so the first TV debate was not benefitial for my campaign. In any case, critiques were not only about having a baby, but also about my age. Many thought I was just too young… but our new prime minister that was voted last spring is my exact age [38]!
iKNOW Politics: Nordic countries are usually seen as an example of gender equality. In your opinion, what are the reasons for this? Could we say that women in Iceland have achieved gender equality?
The reasons are simple. It’s because we, as a society, have decided that it’s how we want things to be. It’s not something that came from above. It’s been a long journey, with many baby steps and each generation moving us a little bit more forward towards equality. We've been lucky to have very strong women as role models that have led the way and been prepared to take all the negative critiques that you get when you pave the way.
No, we have most certainly not reached gender equality. The salary gap is still too large, there are way too few women in high ranking positions both in politics and business and women still carry a much larger share of the household chores on their shoulders than their male partners. It’s a continuous struggle, but I hope we’re moving in the right direction. Research shows that too many young men between 16 and 24 are becoming increasingly sexist, and too many young women are not aware of the battles their foremothers have fought to give them the rights they enjoy.
iKNOW Politics: You once stated that you have “no interest in participating in party politics at all”. Do you think the role of political parties should be redefined?
I see political parties as a necessity in a functioning democracy. It’s normal that people who share ideals group together and fight for them. But when those groups become institutions with their own life, a state within the state, they stop being a necessity and become a problem. I have nothing against political parties; I’m just not interested in participating in party politics. I prefer working in the media, covering the acts and consequences of their work.
iKNOW Politics: What is your advice for young women wanting to enter politics?
First study, read and travel. Never let anyone tell you that your opinion is less important, less interesting or less valuable than others. You are not “young and unexperienced” while the young man next to you is “promising”. And please, please, don‘t let people drag you down with comments on your looks and clothes!