Eliza Reid

Eliza Jean Reid (born 5 May 1976) is a Canadian-Icelandic writer and, since 2016, the First Lady of Iceland through her marriage to Icelandic President Guðni Th. Jóhannesson. Before becoming First Lady she co-founded the Iceland Writers Retreat, was a freelance writer for multiple Icelandic magazines and editor of the Icelandair Stopover from 2012 to 2016.

Quotes

• ...The only message that I tried to get across from my book when it comes to gender equality is the idea that I hope that people think that gender equality is something that benefits all people. It’s something that makes countries more peaceful, happier, etc. And I hope that people may find inspiration from some of the personal stories that we have, and people can approach things in their own way...
• ...the tipping point about debating whether or not working towards greater equality is important and how we’re going to get there...
• ...Diversity brings varied perspectives. Recognising biases is key in forming inclusive teams. Achieving gender equality is an ongoing effort, not a one-time policy. It benefits everyone and requires continuous evaluation and improvement. It’s a human rights issue, not just a women’s issue, and it’s worth the sustained effort...
  • Watch: Freelance writer turned First Lady of Iceland Eliza Reid speaks about life, gender equality book in Dubai
• ...There’s a phrase in Iceland, “to walk with a book in your belly,” meaning that everybody has a story they want to tell...
  • Eliza Reid on life as Iceland’s Canadian first lady