Ep 51. Eliza Reid, Former First Lady of Iceland and writer: Championing Gender Equality

About this episode

Eliza Reid discusses her journey and advocacy for gender equality as the former First Lady of Iceland.

"Gender equality is a choice… working for greater gender equality is not a zero sum game, where you're taking something from one group and giving it to another - it's helping to level the playing field for everyone." Special guest, Eliza Reid, is a bestselling writer, public speaker, gender equality advocate, entrepreneur and former First Lady of Iceland. Iceland has topped the World Economic Forum's gender equality rankings for 15 years, as the country with the smallest gender gap. In her first book, Secrets of the Sprakkar: Iceland's Extraordinary Women and How They are Changing the World, Eliza examines what it is about Iceland and Icelandic society that makes it the most gender-equal country in the world. We talk about Eliza's own extraordinary journey from growing up on a farm outside of Ottawa in Canada, to becoming the First Lady of Iceland, and what she has learnt along the way. It is a fascinating account, showcasing Eliza's determination to go beyond the traditional expectations of her role as First Lady, make the most of unexpected opportunities, and to use her unique voice and privilege to advocate for gender equality and social justice. Recorded December 2024. Guest…

People in this episode

Host: Dhivya O'Connor

Guest: Eliza Reid

Topics covered

• gender equality
• advocacy
• women's rights
• Iceland
• public speaking
• entrepreneurship

Keywords

• gender equality
• Eliza Reid
• Iceland
• advocacy
• women's rights
• Secrets of the Sprakkar

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: World Economic Forum

Books & works: Secrets of the Sprakkar: Iceland's Extraordinary Women and How They are Changing the World

Places: Iceland, Canada

More episodes of The Charity CEO Podcast

• Bonus: Anthropy26 with Rosie Jones, Founder, The Rosie Jones Foundation and Kim Samuel, Founder, The Belonging Forum - Who Gets to Belong? · June 1, 2026 · 54 min
• Ep 57. Thelma Ekiyor, Global CEO Women for Women International: Investing in the Power of Women · May 4, 2026 · 53 min
• Ep 56. Anne Fox, CEO Clinks, and Ruth Armstrong, Director Justice Matters: Re-imagining Criminal Justice · March 2, 2026 · 1h 22m
• Ep 55. Hayley Roffey & John Hecklinger, Co-CEOs Global Fund for Children: Young People as Agents of Change · January 5, 2026 · 1h 10m
• Ep 54. Sarah Elliott, CEO Shelter: Fighting for home · December 1, 2025 · 47 min
• Ep 53. Adela Raz, Former Ambassador of Afghanistan to the U.S. & U.N. - Keeping hope alive for Afghan women and girls · May 5, 2025 · 56 min