Katrín Jakobsdóttir

Katrin Jakobsdottir is an Icelandic politician who has been serving as the prime minister of Iceland since 2017 and a member of the Althing for the Reykjavík North constituency since 2007. On 19 February 2020, she was named Chair of the Council of Women World Leaders. A popular and fervent feminist who has become a unifying force after years of political upheaval, Jakobsdottir has won over Icelanders with her integrity, sincerity, and consensual management style. A former education minister, from 2009 to 2013, she has remained down-to-earth and avoided scandal during her years in power, earning the people’s trust, according to analysts. As head of government, Katrín made taxes more progressive, invested in social housing, extended parental leave, and reduced gender pay inequality. 

Born into a family of academics and lawmakers, Jakobsdottir is the second woman to head Iceland’s government. Her concern for the environment was awakened in the 2000s by a controversial project to build a hydroelectric dam in eastern Iceland. A graduate of the University of Iceland, she joined the youth wing of the Left-Green Movement in 2002, before becoming deputy leader a year later. She has been the head of the party since 2013.

In September 2021, almost four years after her inauguration, Katrín remains highly popular, and leaves an image of integrity and sincerity. Her good management of the COVID-19 pandemic has been praised, with the country having one of the best health records in Europe.