Reykjavik’s newest landmark

Unveiling of the new statue.

Unveiling of the new statue. Photo: Golli

Visitors to Reykjavik’s famous Parliament Square (‘Austurvöllur’) can now enjoy a new landmark – a statue of Ingibjörg H. Bjarnason, Iceland’s first ever female MP.

Ingibjörg H. Bjarnason (1867-1941) was a schoolteacher and activist in the women’s suffrage movement in Iceland. Icelandic women won the right to vote and stand for public office on 19 June 1915.

Bjarnason headed a feminist political movement known as ‘Women’s List’ and was elected to the Icelandic Parliament (‘Alþingi’) in 1922, making her the first woman in history to serve as an Icelandic MP. She served as an MP 1922-30.

The new statue was unveiled yesterday as part of the celebrations on Austurvöllur to commemorate the 100th anniversary of women winning the right to vote in Iceland.

Former President of Iceland, Vigdís Finnbogadóttir – the first woman in the world to be elected as Head of State in democratic elections – addressed the gathered revellers, who were also treated to music from women’s and girls’ choirs.

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Former President, Vigdís Finnbogadóttir, addresses the crowd.

Former President, Vigdís Finnbogadóttir, addresses the crowd. Photo: Golli

The crowd enjoyed the performance of various women's and girls' …

The crowd enjoyed the performance of various women's and girls' choirs. Photo: Golli

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