Lisa Nilsson: “In the face of others’ pain, I am a responsible witness.”

She is one of Sweden’s most popular voices, but it is not only in her music that Lisa Nilsson makes her mark. With a rare courage to talk about the difficult, she carries a lifelong commitment to children’s rights – rooted in both her own experiences and meetings with children around the world.

When did you first hear about ChildX and what sparked your interest in the organization?
I got in touch with ChildX through Ida Östensson (editor: Secretary General of the organization) on Instagram.

Is there anyone who has inspired you to want to make a difference for children?
Having been a child and never forgetting what it was like has always been the foundation that inspired me to want to make a difference. A trip to Rwanda in 2004 with UNICEF provided further insights into the vulnerability of children but also their impressive survival skills.

How has your experience with children (e.g. through family, friends, work) influenced your commitment to children’s rights?
Recognizing myself in my own and others’ children gives perspective on my own upbringing, traveling and seeing how different conditions children are born into, having been subjected to abuse and manipulation myself, all this awakens my commitment to wanting to protect children and facilitate them.

Why have you chosen to get involved in stopping the sexual exploitation and trafficking of children?
Sexual abuse is particularly devastating, with such deep and long-lasting effects on a child and a person. There are few things that have such a profound effect. The exploitation of children by adults for their own gain is abhorrent and must be stopped. The vulnerability that is in itself tangible for children becomes even more tangible when it comes to sexual abuse. To prevent a child’s sexual exploration in many cases and to mark the most fragile and intimate through trauma is completely inexcusable.

What issues in the field (sexual exploitation of children) concern you most?
Relieving children from blame is key. It spills over from the general blaming of victims of sexual violence, so this is a broad issue that needs to be tackled from several directions. Raising awareness and knowledge among the public, legislators, police, children and young people, parents and, not least, boys and men who are, after all, the most represented group of perpetrators.

What is the best thing about being part of an organization like ChildX?
It is hopeful and satisfying to be part of something that creates positive change.

Is there a book, movie or song that has increased your commitment to children’s rights?
The movie Lilja Forever had a strong impact on me. P1 and SVT have contributed with several enlightening documentaries.

How do we get more people involved in the fight against sexual violence against children?
I know that people who have a lot of trust capital, as I do, have the ability to influence people. Mainly by de-dramatizing and de-stigmatizing sensitive issues like this. To show that it is not really complex and fuzzy but crystal clear and obvious, e.g. to spread the facts and show that the issue is important, and that despite discomfort it is harmless to talk about sexual violence and the psychology that often plays a role in how victims behave, such as self-harm behaviors that lead to prostitution among minors.

Working with vulnerable children can be mentally challenging. What are your top tips for re-energizing?
I constantly process impressions by talking to others and through my work as a musician and artist. I have always found it natural to bear witness to the experiences of others, however painful they may be. I also see it as a duty to do so. The pain of others is not mine; in the face of others’ pain, I am a responsible witness. One of the most important things we can do is to listen, see and acknowledge the experiences of others.
It is equally important to take breaks and focus on other things. For me, nature is what relieves and neutralizes the nervous system best.