16 Days of Activism: Q&A with The Flying Child
For #16DaysOfActivism we asked Sophie Olson, founder of The Flying Child, three questions about the importance of activism.
Q: What does the 16 Days of Activism mean to you?
A: It is an opportunity to connect with activists campaigning globally for positive change. Activism can feel like pushing water up a hill at times, and I welcome having the opportunity to network, work together, to see what others are doing, and to collaboratively influence change.
Q: Why is it so important that the voices of victim-survivors are at the heart of gender-based violence campaign?
A: BECAUSE we have survived gender-based violence we can identify the barriers that stand in the way of making change. Lived experience gives survivors a significant understanding of the public attitudes and societal issues that need addressing. We are the experts of our own experience.
Q: What message would you send to other victim-survivors who may be thinking about taking a step into activism around gender-based violence?
A: To just do it if it interests you. Give it a go. Activism doesn’t tend to be something we plan for, in fact many of us find we ‘fall into’ activism, and there is no ‘right’ way to do it. If you have experienced sexual violence, your voice and your unique perspective is invaluable.
The Flying Child is a survivor-led, non-profit organisation, founded by Sophie Olson – a survivor of intrafamilial Child Sexual Abuse (CSA). Their core aim is to normalise speaking about CSA, in society, in professional settings and within the survivor community itself.
The latest from our news and blogs
Shame must change sides
In four words, Gisèle Pelicot articulated what all women around the world need to hear. I want to explore the experience of shame as a victim of rape, because sometimes it’s just not as easy as “I shouldn’t be ashamed, so I won’t be”.
Rape Culture: not just a buzzword
A university student, who experienced sexual violence during the first month of enrolling, reflects on the aftermath and the pervasive nature of rape culture on campus and within wider society.
The impact of trauma on pregnancy, birth & parenthood
Becoming a parent is a life-changing experience, and for many, it can also be a challenging one. If you’ve experienced rape or sexual abuse, the past trauma can feel like a heavy weight, influencing your experiences throughout pregnancy, birth, and the early stages of parenthood.
