VPRO Backlight

Expedition Better Netherlands

DOCUMENTARY (15 MIN) | VPRO | 2023

What can we in the Netherlands learn from the way Iceland addresses issues of gender inequality?

For many years, Iceland has ranked at the top of international lists when it comes to gender equality. Director Esmée van Loon visits the island during a historic "kvennafrí" (women's strike) to discover what the Netherlands can learn from Icelanders in terms of gender equality. Together with Iceland's First Lady, Eliza Reid, she explores the secret of "sprakkar," an Icelandic word that signifies remarkable, strong women. Is the secret found in apps like Heima, which promote fair household task distribution? Or in female leadership in politics, resulting in equal parental leave? Or is it primarily their determination and willingness to collectively take action?

Watch the episode here

DIRECTED BY: Esmée van Loon | CAMERA: Gijs Wilbers | SOUND: Bente van der Spek
EDIT: Remi van der Heiden | RESEARCH: William de Bruijn
PRODUCED BY: Marie Schutgens | EDITOR IN CHIEF: Geert Rozinga

Photo source: Iceland Monitor/ Þorkell Þorkelsson