Longyearbyen Celebrates International Women’s Day

On March 8th, Longyearbyen not only celebrated the return of the sun but also gathered at the Svalbard Museum to honor International Women’s Day. The day has a long tradition in the town: the first women’s march took place in 1975, when five women gathered to mark the UN’s International Women’s Year and highlight women’s rights even in this remote Arctic community. Decades later, the museum was filled to capacity as the community came together for reflection, discussion, and music.

The program began with a performance from the local choir “Tundradundrene”. Politician and feminist Katrine Boel Gregussen opened the event with a speech emphasizing the continuing need for International Women’s Day, especially in a global context where women’s rights are under threat. She noted the rise in conflict-related sexual violence and the targeting of women’s rights in unstable societies, while also stressing that women continue to play a vital role in holding communities together. Her message underlined the importance of standing together to ensure equality and supporting women in solidarity.

A discussion panel, moderated by journalist Line Nagell Ylvisåker from Svalbardposten, featured three women sharing their experiences in Svalbard. Jaroslava Skorikova, a Russian-Estonian guide, moved to Barentsburg in 2017 and to Longyearbyen in 2021. She spoke about breaking barriers in male-dominated industries, including her role as the first female snowmobile guide in Barentsburg. She also highlighted the rollback of women’s rights in Russia, where women are increasingly reduced to their reproductive role to replace men lost in the war. Sally Hovelsø, a Danish and now Norwegian resident, reflected on local politics and citizenship challenges. Non-Norwegians lost voting rights, and she faced difficulties as a new mother. Over the years, she noted, the Longyearbyen community has become more segregated. Febylin Salaspi, from the Philippines, moved to Longyearbyen three years ago. She shared her experiences supporting her family back home, leading community initiatives, and challenging traditional gender expectations in leadership.

The discussion underscored ongoing social and political differences and the importance of solidarity, reflection, and dialogue. Even in the high north, global tensions and threats to women’s rights are felt and met with concern.

Léa Zinsli, PolarJournal