The Icelandic President and First Lady visit international students in equality studies

The GEST programme had the pleasure to host a visit from the President and the First Lady of Iceland, Mr. Guðni Th. Jóhannesson and Ms. Eliza Reid, at the University of Iceland. The Gender Equality Studies and Training Programme (GRÓ-GEST) is operated by the University of Iceland's School of Humanities. The Programme promotes gender equality and social justice in low income countries, conflict and post-conflict societies, through research, training, and education at postgraduate level. 

Two fellows, Kinita Shenoy from India and Shamim Nampijja from Uganda, spoke on behalf of the fellows about their experience in Iceland, including the challenges due to COVID-19. Traditionally the President and his wife welcome fellows to Bessastaðir, but due to the current restrictions the meeting took place at the university, Guðni’s old work place, where honouring the 2 metre rule is easier. This didn’t change the fact that the meeting was very successful, and the GEST fellows proved once more that they have impressive skills of adapting to a changed environment. The fellows had the chance to chat with the president and Ms. Eliza Reid before the meeting was concluded with a group photo.

Kristinn Ingvarsson took photos during the event.

About the GEST programme

The GEST programme is part of GRÓ - Centre for Capacity Development, Sustainability and Societal Change - which comprises four thematic capacity and development programmes: The Geothermal Training Programme (GTP), the Fisheries Training Programme (FTP), the Land Restoration Training Programme (LRT) and the Gender Equality Studies and Training Programme (GEST). GRÓ operates under the auspices of UNESCO.