Young advocates partner with the UN

To mark the International Day of the Girl Child, the United Nations, the European Week of Action for Girls’ Coalition, the Embassy of Iceland and the European Commission present “Raise the Bar”, by Gudjon Ragnarsson.

Monday 9 October 2023  at 19:00
Cinéma Galeries

In 2015 a basketball team for girls was formed in Iceland. The coach was experienced, unconditional and constantly raised the bar. The girls were trained as leaders off the field and like professional athletes on the field. Early on, they set their goal high, they would always compete with the best team and with that ambition they were victorious in competing in girls’ and boys’ tournaments. Until they no longer were allowed to compete with the boys. This is a story of 8–13-year-old girls, who wanted to change the paradigm in women’s basketball in Iceland. With great sacrifice, they faced the challenges they met.

The film has a runtime of 70 minutes.


Welcoming speech by Kristján Andri Stefánsson, Ambassador to Belgium and Head of Mission of Iceland to the EU.

The film will be followed by a panel discussion, in the presence of:

  • Michaela Moua, Anti-Racism Coordinator, European Commission
  • Birgit Van Hout, Director, Representation Office in Brussels, UN Population Fund (UNFPA)
  • Margrét Jónasdóttir, Producer of “Raise the Bar”
  • Young Advocates of the European Week of Action for Girls (EWAG) Coalition

Moderated by Sherri Aldis, Director, UNRIC

The event will be followed by a reception, courtesy of the Icelandic Embassy.

Join the conversation with #EU4Girls and #IDG2023!