The experience of the parental leave system in Iceland Norsk kvinnesaksforening - fagseminar Oslo February 3, 2009 Svala Jónsdóttir Centre for Gender Equality

Parental leave in Iceland Prior to 2000, six months leave since 1987 Fathers could take part of the leave under the old system, but very few did Two weeks separate father’s leave in 1997

New parental leave system In full effect 2003, introduced in increments months, divided between parents = 9 Enable both women and men to reconcile work and family life

Hopes and expectations Hopes that new system would: Strengthen women’s position at work Increase men’s participation in the home Help close the gender pay gap

Strong points Compulsory sharing between parents Majority of fathers take three months 80% of previous pay and minimum payments.

Strong points cont. Flexibility in taking the leave Funded by insurance levy Self-employed are entitled Same-sex couples get same treatment

Weak points Only nine months in all Gap between end of leave and preschool Cap on the amount that can be paid Few fathers take more than three months

Weak points cont. Fathers who take more than three months have higher salaries than average Children of single mothers may get only six months at home with parent Uncertain effect on gender equality

Icelandic labour market Women’s labour participation has been high –60% in ,6% in 2007 Same unemployment for women and men –was 2,3% in Higher in 2008 and 2009 Percentage of women working full time rising –39% in % in % in 2004

Positive effects Increased fertility Increased emotional attachment between father and child Men also face dismissal due to leave

Little or no effect Not much change in working hours –+1 hour for women, -3 hours for men since 1995 No change in gender pay gap Slight change in division of labor

Gender pay gap Thought to be due to women’s fewer hours, taking maternity leave, childcare 8-18% in Iceland, adjusted pay gap Has not changed in 12 years –(was 16% 1994 and 15,7% 2006 in one study)

Division of labour RU study published in fathers and spouses interviewed Only 30% thought that the couples were more equal after the leave

Effect of parental leave law The law has only been in full effect for 5 years, may need longer time Most fathers only take three months. A longer leave may have more effect. Perhaps there are other factors re. pay gap