Íris Róberts­dót­tir

"We need to show ourselves the kindness to allow ourselves to be ambitious"

It's enjoyable to talk with Íris Róbertsdóttir, mayor of the Westman Islands, as she has an obvious passion for the causes she fights for, especially in the field of education and child development. She is the first woman to hold her current position in the community where she was born and raised, and makes no secret of her deep affection for her childhood home.

Íris took on the role of mayor in the Islands in 2018 and says she thought it would be more challenging to step into the role, but that she has only experienced positivity and support.

"I think it's just a coincidence that I'm the first woman rather than the community having opposed having a female mayor in previous years."

In Íris's opinion, it matters that women are at the forefront in all areas of society equally with men.

"In Iceland, we have sometimes feared diversity. But it benefits society when as many voices as possible come together. It always strengthens the final outcome."

Education is "hardcore" economics

Íris is the eldest of five siblings and sometimes jokes that she is the "prototype" of the group. She was raised with lively discussions at the kitchen table and says the atmosphere was often a bit "Italian." She therefore became accustomed to vigorous debates early on and learned to strongly support her opinions.

Íris left home at nineteen and traveled across the Atlantic to work as an au pair in New Jersey, USA. It was a formative time as she came into contact with the upper echelons of American society and saw various things in her work, even meeting the current US President.

When she returned to Iceland, enriched by the experience, she completed high school, worked for several years at a hotel, and then enrolled in the Teacher Education College. After graduating, she worked for fifteen years as a teacher in the Westman Islands, which explains her deep insight into the Icelandic education system and passion for this field, which she asserts is the backbone of society, the foundation of a healthy community, democratic discourse, and a robust economy.

"Education is often viewed as a soft issue. I think that's a completely wrong approach. Everything we do in Iceland is based on our ability to educate our children for future jobs. Education is therefore a hardcore economic issue where the state should invest alongside municipalities."

"In the Islands, for example, we have invested very strategically in education in recent years. We see that it pays off. We need to prepare our human resources well for future challenges. People shouldn't graduate from the school system without being able to use their strengths, and then perhaps not be able to handle jobs in the workforce that require reading skills, communication ability, critical thinking, and so on."

Íris believes that women often view municipal investments differently than men and are, generally, more involved in community issues where the big picture matters. That's why it's so important that all genders have a seat at the table.

"Sometimes you just need to say yes"

Finally, we ask Íris if she has any advice for other women, especially younger ones who are making their way in business and perhaps in politics. Íris's first piece of advice is clear and direct:

"Never stop daring."

Íris also believes that women tend to overthink things. They prepare so thoroughly for their projects and ideas that things sometimes stall and never become reality.

"Sometimes you just need to say yes. Dare to take the first step – and begin."

"We women are often more cautious than men, who tend to be more risk-taking," Íris continues. "But we women have also long had less room to make mistakes. We are punished sooner, and often more harshly."

This probably explains the caution to some extent.

"Women are often too harsh in their judgments, both toward themselves and other women. But we can certainly put ourselves and our ideas first, just as men do. By doing so, you're not belittling your family. Ambitious women are often viewed differently than men, but you are allowed to have ambition. We need to show ourselves the kindness to allow ourselves to be ambitious."