Women of foreign origin in Iceland have stepped forward sharing their experiences of gender-based discrimination and violence under the banner of the #metoo movement. Kjarninn reported first. Over 660 women are members of the private Facebook group “#metoo Kvenna af erlendum uppruna” (En. #metoo Women of Foreign Origin)” where many have been sharing personal accounts of harassment. The 34 accounts published anonymously range from stories of workplace discrimination to domestic violence and rape.

The stories make clear that foreign women are often particularly vulnerable due to their lack of Icelandic language ability, not knowing their rights, or by having weaker support networks to help them escape and recover from violence.

“Our stories are laced with prejudice, discrimination, systematic degradation, seclusion, manipulation and abuse of the worst kind,” says the group statement. The statement calls for Icelandic organizations to take into account the vulnerable situation many foreign women are in and address their specific needs.

The complete stories, in Icelandic and English, can be read here.

The group statement in Icelandic and English can be read here.