Famous Swedish Activists

Lars Vilks was a Swedish visual artist and activist known for his controversial drawings of Muhammad. Prior to this, he gained recognition for creating the sculptures Nimis and Arx, constructed from driftwood and rock, and establishing the area as the independent country of "Ladonia." Vilks' professional life was marked by a blend of artistry and activism, with his works sparking debates on freedom of expression and challenging societal norms. His legacy encompasses a unique artistic vision that pushed boundaries and questioned established conventions.

Sven Wollter was a highly acclaimed Swedish actor, writer, and political activist. He gained recognition for his diverse roles in both film and television. Wollter's career highlights include portraying Detective Sergeant Lennart Kollberg in the film "The Man on the Roof" and Victor in "The Sacrifice." He also garnered popularity for his role as Detective Chief Inspector Van Veeteren in cinematic adaptations of Håkan Nesser's novels. With multiple awards to his name, Wollter is remembered as one of Sweden's most distinguished actors.

Greta Thunberg is a renowned Swedish environmental activist who gained global recognition for her unwavering dedication to combating climate change. Her activism began with school strikes and evolved into leading the Fridays for Future movement, inspiring millions of students worldwide to join her cause. Thunberg's impactful speeches and confrontations with world leaders have made her a prominent figure in the fight against climate change. She has received numerous accolades for her advocacy work and continues to expand her activism to address various social justice issues.

Elizabeth Lejonhjärta is a multifaceted professional known for her work as a Swedish model, writer, blogger, and social media personality. Alongside her twin sister Victoria, she gained international recognition for their collaboration with Canadian rapper Drake on his 2016 album "Views." Referred to as the "it girls" in Sweden, Elizabeth has successfully modeled for renowned brands such as Calvin Klein, Nike, Chanel, and Max Factor. Her diverse talents and extensive portfolio in the fashion and entertainment industries have solidified her reputation as a prominent figure in the field.

Victoria Lejonhjarta is a renowned Swedish model, writer, blogger, and social media personality. Alongside her twin sister, Elizabeth Lejonhjärta, she forms the popular duo known as the "it girls" in Sweden. Victoria has gained immense popularity through her modeling work for prestigious brands such as Calvin Klein, Nike, Chanel, and Max Factor. Additionally, she has collaborated with notable celebrities like Drake, further solidifying her status as a prominent figure in the fashion and entertainment industry.

Ellen Key was a prominent Swedish difference feminist writer, known for her contributions to the fields of family life, ethics, and education. She played a crucial role in the Modern Breakthrough movement and advocated for a child-centered approach to education and parenting. Key was also a suffragist, actively involved in the fight for women's rights. Her most famous work, "Barnets århundrade" (1900), was translated into English as "The Century of the Child" in 1909, solidifying her reputation as an influential figure in progressive education and social reform.

Jan Myrdal is a celebrated author and filmmaker known for his works related to politics, travel, and personal reflections. He gained recognition for his series of semi-autobiographical "I-Novels" and his extensive travels with his third wife, Kessle, to countries like Afghanistan and India. Myrdal's writing style captivates readers with its depth and insight into various societal issues. Through his literary and cinematic endeavors, he has made significant contributions to the cultural landscape, showcasing a unique perspective that resonates with audiences worldwide.

Cecilia Malmström is a Swedish politician who has held various prominent positions in the European Union. She served as European Commissioner for Trade from 2014 to 2019 and previously as European Commissioner for Home Affairs from 2010 to 2014. Prior to that, she was Minister for European Union Affairs in Sweden and a Member of the European Parliament. Malmström was affiliated with the Swedish Liberals until 2023 when she left due to the party's stance on the Sweden Democrats, a party she has long criticized.

Fredrika Bremer was a Finnish-born Swedish writer and reformer known for her popular Sketches of Everyday Life. She is considered the Swedish Jane Austen for her contributions to realist novels in Swedish literature. In her late 30s, Bremer successfully petitioned for emancipation from her brother's wardship. In her 50s, her novel Hertha sparked a social movement leading to legal majority for unmarried Swedish women at 25 and the establishment of Sweden's first female tertiary school. She also inspired the creation of Sweden's first women's magazine and women's rights organization.

Nyamko Sabuni is a Swedish politician who served as Leader of the Liberals from June 2019 to April 2022. She held key ministerial positions, including Minister for Integration and Minister for Gender Equality in the Swedish government. Sabuni, a member of the Liberal Party, was elected as a Member of Parliament in 2002. She made history in 2019 as the first party leader in the Swedish parliament from an ethnic minority and a refugee background. Sabuni resigned as party leader in April 2022.

Olof Dreijer is a Swedish DJ and record producer, widely recognized as one half of the electronic music duo the Knife. While the Knife seldom performed live, Olof showcases his DJ skills as DJ Coolof at various nightclubs in Europe, where he only participates in events with gender-balanced artist lineups. He also released music under the alias Oni Ayhun and has remixed songs for artists like Emmanuel Jal and produced tracks for Planningtorock. Notably, he has shown support for the BDS movement by boycotting events in Israel for Palestinian rights.

Claes Gustaf Borgström was a prominent Swedish lawyer and politician known for his work in promoting equality and human rights. He served as the Equality Ombudsman (JämO) from 2000 to 2007, advocating for gender equality and fighting discrimination. Transitioning from the Social Democratic Party to the Left Party in 2013, he continued to champion progressive causes and legal reforms. Throughout his career, Borgström was dedicated to upholding justice and fairness, leaving a lasting impact on Swedish society through his advocacy and legal work.

Victoria Benedictsson was a Swedish author who wrote under the pen name Ernst Ahlgren. She was known for her notable works such as Pengar (1885) and Fru Marianne (1887). Benedictsson's writings often explored themes of social issues, class struggles, and the position of women in society. She was recognized for her insightful and critical observations of the contemporary society, shedding light on the challenges faced by individuals from different backgrounds. Benedictsson's works continue to be studied and appreciated for their depth and relevance.

Hedvig Charlotta Nordenflycht was a prominent Swedish poet, feminist, and salon hostess known for her significant contributions to Swedish literature. She played a key role in the Enlightenment movement, advocating for women's rights and education. Nordenflycht's poetry often focused on themes of love, nature, and social justice. Her salons provided a platform for intellectual discussions and cultural exchange among prominent figures of her time. Through her writings and activism, she left a lasting impact on Swedish society and literature.

Anna Maria Lenngren was a renowned Swedish poet known for her satirical and insightful works. She gained fame for her poems that criticized the class system and mocked social pretensions. Lenngren's sharp wit and keen observations on societal issues made her a prominent figure in Swedish literature. Her works, such as "Advice to my dear daughter, if I had one" and "His Grace's morning snooze," continue to be celebrated for their humor and social commentary.

Alexandra Pascalidou is a prominent figure in the field of journalism, known for her work as a Greek-Swedish journalist, television and radio presenter, and author. With a diverse skill set, she is also recognized for her engaging lectures and activism in the realm of human rights. Throughout her professional life, Pascalidou has demonstrated a commitment to raising awareness on important issues through various platforms, making a significant impact on both the media industry and the advocacy for human rights.

Tess Asplund is a prominent Swedish activist known for her bold stand against neo-Nazis. Her powerful protest, captured in a photograph by David Lagerlof, depicts her defiantly raising her fist in the face of uniformed members of the Nordic Resistance Movement. This iconic image catapulted Asplund to fame and recognition, leading to her inclusion in BBC's 100 Women list in 2016. Asplund's professional life is characterized by her unwavering commitment to challenging extremism and advocating for social justice through courageous activism.

Eva Dahlgren is a prominent Swedish pop musician and singer-songwriter known for her powerful vocals and heartfelt lyrics. With a career spanning several decades, she has released numerous successful albums and singles, earning critical acclaim and a dedicated fan base. Her music often explores themes of love, relationships, and personal growth, resonating with audiences both in Sweden and internationally. Through her distinctive voice and emotive songwriting, Eva Dahlgren has established herself as a respected figure in the music industry.