Born: 1942 (Reykjavík, Iceland)
Biography:
Jóhanna Sigurðardóttir (Icelandic pronunciation: [ˈjouːhana ˈsɪːɣʏrðarˌtouhtɪr̥]) was born on October 4, 1942, in Reykjavík, Iceland. She is a prominent Icelandic politician who served as the prime minister of Iceland from 2009 to 2013. Jóhanna’s political career spanned over three decades, during which she made significant contributions to social affairs and gender equality. She holds the distinction of being Iceland’s first female prime minister and the world’s first openly LGBT head of government.
Jóhanna’s journey in politics began in 1978 when she was elected to the Althing, Iceland’s parliament, representing the Reykjavík constituency. She quickly gained recognition and was appointed as Iceland’s Minister of Social Affairs and Social Security, a position she held from 1987 to 1994. During this time, Jóhanna focused on improving social welfare policies and advocating for the rights of marginalized groups within Icelandic society.
In 1994, Jóhanna lost a bid to lead the Social Democratic Party but used this setback as an opportunity to make a powerful statement. She raised her fist and declared Minn tími mun koma! which translates to My time will come! This phrase became an iconic expression in Iceland, symbolizing resilience and determination in the face of adversity.
After leaving the Social Democratic Party, Jóhanna joined the National Awakening party, which later merged with the Social Democratic Party in 2000 to form the present-day Social Democratic Alliance. Throughout her career, she held various ministerial positions and served as Vice-Chairman of the Social Democratic Party from 1984 to 1993.
Jóhanna’s historic moment came on February 1, 2009, when she was sworn in as the Prime Minister of Iceland. Her appointment not only marked a significant milestone for women in Icelandic politics but also shattered the glass ceiling for LGBTQ+ individuals in positions of power worldwide.
As prime minister, Jóhanna faced one of the most challenging periods in Iceland’s history. Her tenure was marked by the country’s recovery from the devastating financial crisis of 2008. She implemented measures to stabilize the economy and promote sustainable growth, guiding Iceland through a period of recovery and renewal.
Jóhanna’s leadership garnered international recognition and acclaim. Forbes listed her among the 100 most powerful women in the world, highlighting her influential role in shaping Iceland’s political landscape. She became a symbol of strength and resilience, inspiring generations of women and members of the LGBTQ+ community to pursue their aspirations without fear or discrimination.
In September 2012, Jóhanna announced that she would not seek re-election and retired from politics as Iceland’s longest-serving member of Parliament. Her dedication to public service and unwavering commitment to social justice leave a lasting legacy in Icelandic politics.