Iceland is an aspirational place for the rest of the world when it comes to gender equality, equal pay laws and women boasting a mighty voice in the Icelandic Parliament. Every morning on the way into her office Ms. Áslaug Sigurbjörnsdóttir passes the statue of Ingibjörg H. Bjarnason. And like Bjarnason who was Iceland’s first female member of Parliament, Áslaug has her own set of ‘firsts’ as career accomplishments.

In 2019 Ms. Sigurbjörnsdóttir was appointed as Iceland’s Minister of Justice. She is warm, approachable, unapologetic and tough and in the WOW Woman interview she opens up about hopes for her country, engine behind her ambition and on a lighter note would like her friends to just trust her driving already! A fresh and incredibly intelligent voice in the cabinet is sure to open up the world of politics for the next generation of girls and women in Iceland.

Áslaug has a bright career ahead of her in part thanks to the 360 degree view of her constituency. She is one of the only women I know who obtained a law degree, served as a police officer, journalist, chairman of the Icelandic Foreign Affairs Committee, and became a Minister of Justice, all before entering life’s third decade. “I couldn’t stand there complaining about the fact that there were no young people in politics if I didn’t run myself”, she told us and a resounding yes was heard around the world!

1. Name

Áslaug Arna Sigurbjörnsdóttir.

2. Where is your hometown?

Reykjavík, Iceland.

3. What is your profession/career/title/self-label/designation?

Minister of Justice.

4. What was the journey like to get where you are (in life and career-wise)? What are some accomplishments you’re most proud of, and what was the turning point to set you on a current path in life?

I have been political since I can remember and joined the biggest party in Iceland, The Independence Party, at a young age. I later became the Chairman of the Independence Party Youth Organization. The turning point for me was when I ran against the sitting secretary of the party at our national convention. I was 25 years old and won. In hindsight, it was a pretty bold move.

Being 25 and taking on a leadership role within the biggest party in Iceland was challenging, but also an amazing opportunity. A year later I ran for parliament and got a seat, one month before my 26th birthday.

5. What did you study in school?

Magister Juris, University of Iceland.

6. How is your life different from what you pictured at 20?

I didn’t foresee how fast my political career would advance. I always thought an idea of being a politician a bit later in life, when I was older and more experienced, sounded smarter. When the opportunities arose I thought to myself, I can’t stand here complaining about the fact that there are no young people in politics if I don’t run myself. Today I’m glad I did, because I still believe politics needs young people’s voices too.

7. Was there a time when life knocked you down or out and how did you get back up on your feet?

I was 22 years old when my mother passed away. It was a difficult time in my life. My mother was my closest ally and the biggest supporter, in every aspect. I promised myself that I would continue on my journey even though it was difficult to imagine - and try to be like her as much as I am able to: positive, supportive and hard-working.

9. Knowing what we know now in current political climate, can women be "all that we can be" in today's world? What is the way forward, as you see it, for "feminist values"?

In our part of the world, where all statistics show that we are heading towards equality, I think it’s important to remember that the patriarchy has a few centuries on us. I make it my mission that women stick together, form alliances, support each other and pick each other up. I sometimes feel there remains a hint of the culture that many women who are perhaps in their seventies now experienced, when there was only space for one woman “at the top.” I think there’s room for all of us.

10. Where in the world do you feel “tallest” (i.e. where is your happy place)?

My family’s summer house just outside the city.

11. What extra-curricular activities/hobbies are you most proud of? Why?

I’ve been riding horses since I was a child, used to compete and was actually pretty decent. Most importantly I have some very fond memories of my family horseback riding together in the countryside.  It’s the best quality time we have.

12. What do you want to be when you grow up? Future goals/challenges?

I want to be able to look back and not regret NOT going after something that I wanted.

13. What fears are you still hoping to overcome?

I wish my friends and family would get over their fear of getting in a car with me. They all say I’m a terrible driver and that the best thing about me becoming a minister is a driver that comes with the position.

15. What inspires you?

My talented friends, colleagues and family. The good people I’ve been blessed with getting to know in my life and people in general that are unafraid to seek what they want.

16. What are you hopeful about?

I’m hopeful about the future of our society. I’m hopeful that we can create a better and simpler life for people.

17. What are some ingredients to a good life?

Water, exercise, friends, sleep and a glass of red wine here and there.

18. What is a quality you most love about yourself and why?

That’s a hard question to answer about myself. I guess I’d say that my best quality is not giving up easily.

19. What advice would you give your 14-year-old self?

Don’t be afraid of anything, life will be hard but it will be awesome as well!

20. What are you reading now? (what books do you gift most and what are your favourite reads?)

One of the best things about finishing law school was that I was able to read normal books again. I am reading a book by an Icelandic author at the moment called Ragnar Jónasson. It’s really good. So many amazing Icelandic books are being published. I have a pile of them in my living room. Some of them turned up in Christmas gifts to family members last year.

21. Who is a WOW Woman in your world who inspires you and why? Can you nominate two(or more) women you know who perfectly fit WOW WOMAN description? What would you tell them, if you had an opportunity, why you admire them?

My mother. In 1987 she graduated from Stanford University with a Masters in Education, focusing on how to introduce technology into classrooms. She was probably among the first Icelanders to do so. My mother and father fought alongside each other for more freedom and a better quality of life for my younger sister who has a disability. My mom then faced the most difficult challenge of all, getting diagnosed with cancer. She handled it all with grace and inexplicable positivity.

Ólöf Nordal, my predecessor as a Minister of Justice and a colleague at The Independence Party. She passed away a few years ago, also from cancer like my mother. She was an amazing role model; intelligent but not too serious, decisive but also warm. She was always so willing to share her wisdom, her experiences and her contagious laughter. I always looked up to her, learned from her and was able to confide in her.

22. Where can others find you/your work (links to websites, blogs, etc.)?

Twitter: @aslaugarna

Instagram: @aslaugarna

Facebook: facebook.com/aslaugarna