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Episode details

World Service,21 Feb 2018,26 mins

SeriesHer Story Made History

Her Story Made History: Vigdis Finnbogadottir

The Documentary

Available for over a year

In 1980, the tiny country of Iceland did something no other nation had done. They elected a female head of state. BBC chief international correspondent Lyse Doucet travels to Reykjavik to meet Vigdis Finnbogadottir. Now 87, she was president for exactly 16 years and remains the longest-serving elected female head of state of any country to date. "That’s what I have given to the girls of this country," she says: “If she can, I can.” (Photo: Vigdis Finnbogadottir)

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