Join us on May 24 at 7 PM for a Curtis L. Carlson Distinguished Lecture with First Lady of Iceland, Eliza Reid on her new book Secrets of the Sprakkar, out on February 8 from Sourcebooks! The author will discuss her love letter to her adopted homeland, offering a window into a society that sees the benefits of gender equality and how people everywhere can work towards achieving it.

Through her own unconventional story and those of other sprakkar (Icelandic for extraordinary and outstanding women), Reid explores the unique combination of policy, people, and history that has resulted in Iceland topping the World Economic Forum’s Gender Gap Index for the past 12 years. Studies show increased equality leads to a happier, longer living, and more economically prosperous society for all its citizens. From parenting to politics, sexuality to sports, Reid examines what has led to this level of equality in Iceland and shares insights on how we can all help to level the playing field in our day-to-day lives.

The Curtis L. Carlson Distinguished Lecture Series was created by the Carlson Family Foundation to support public discourse on issues and topics of particular relevance to the people of the United States and the Nordic nations.

“Secrets of the Sprakkar is a fascinating window into what a more gender-equal world could look like, and why it’s worth striving for. Iceland is doing a lot to level the playing field: paid parental leave, affordable childcare, and broad support for gender equality as a core value. Reid takes us on an exploration not only around this fascinating island, but also through the triumphs and stumbles of a country as it journeys towards gender equality.” – Hillary Rodham Clinton