Unveiled in Víkunum, Klaksvík, the statue Kvinna við róðrið (“Woman at the Oars”) is a tribute to the strength, resilience, and quiet heroism of Faroese women—especially those who held families and communities together while the men were out at sea. The statue was created by Fridtjof Joensen, a Faroese artist from Mikladalur, and was revealed as part of events marking what would have been his 100th birthday.

The sculpture portrays a Faroese woman at the oars, symbolizing not only physical strength but also emotional endurance. It reflects themes central to Fridtjof Joensen’s work: the deep ties between land and sea, family, and the cycles of longing, hope, and reunion.

Women like the one depicted in the statue played vital roles in Faroese coastal life—caring for children, managing the household, preparing fishing gear, and often rowing the boats themselves. Their contribution to society is an important part of Faroese history.

Placed in a neighborhood shaped by time and change, Kvinna við róðrið serves as both a memorial and a storyteller, keeping the memory of past generations alive and encouraging visitors and locals to reflect on the lives that came before.

The statue stands not just as a piece of art, but as a symbol of identity, history, and connection—a reminder that the woman who gave us life still stands with us today.