Mariska Hargitay: Champion for Women’s Rights and the Evolution of a Feminist Icon
Law & Order: SVU has not only changed Mariska Hargitay’s life but also given her a platform to advocate for women’s rights and support victims of domestic violence. Her passionate activism has led many to wonder if Hargitay identifies as a feminist—a label she has thoughtfully considered.
Mariska Hargitay’s Take on Feminism
Hargitay’s portrayal of Olivia Benson on SVU involves tackling various crimes, especially those against women. Inspired by the show’s impact and the stories shared by fans, Hargitay founded the Joyful Heart Foundation to help real-life victims of domestic violence. In an interview with Bust, Hargitay was asked if she considers herself a feminist.
“Sure, sure I do,” Hargitay affirmed. “I’m all about and for women. But do I call myself that? Well, other people call me that, and I welcome the title, but as opposed to what? You see what I’m saying? Opposed to what? I’m a personist. Am I a feminist? Yes. Do I promote and support women? You bet I do. Do I think that women’s voices need and deserve to be elevated? Yes. Yes. Yes.”
Focus on Unity
While Hargitay embraces the feminist label, her broader mission is to foster unity and compassion among all individuals. “What I’m not interested in is a divide,” she emphasized. “What I’m interested in is figuring out through heart, through compassion, through non-judgment, and through tolerance, how we can get closer together.”
Confronting Misconceptions
Hargitay is aware that the term “feminist” can carry mixed connotations. Despite this, she proudly accepts the title and uses it to emphasize the importance of empathy and connection. “There’s a lot of toxic masculinity,” she noted. “But I’ve been called [a feminist] in a very derogatory way. People have said, ‘Oh, what are you, one of those?’ Because they’re scared of it. They’re scared of losing power. People don’t understand compassion is power. I feel like a very powerful person. But I feel powerful probably not because of the reasons people think that one is powerful. I feel like compassion is my superpower. I feel that empathy is my superpower. I feel that curiosity is my superpower. I feel like connection is my superpower.”
Olivia Benson: A Perfect Feminist Story
Much like Hargitay, her character Olivia Benson has evolved significantly over the years. Fans have witnessed Benson’s journey from co-lead to the face of SVU after Meloni’s departure in 2011. Benson’s character has opened up about her past, demonstrated resilience in the face of trauma, received promotions, and explored motherhood. Reflecting on 25 years of SVU, Hargitay celebrated Benson’s growth in an interview with Today.
“It’s so beautiful to have the privilege to actually watch the evolution,” she said. “As I see it and look back, Olivia Benson is sort of a perfect feminist story because we actually see this woman grow into her power.”
Personal and Professional Growth
Hargitay acknowledged that she has grown alongside her character over the years. “It’s been incredible,” she said. “I was just thinking the other day, because it’s hard to process — everyone’s saying, ’25 years, 25 years.’ I am so grateful for this time in my life, to be present.”
Motherhood and Complexity
The subplot about Olivia Benson’s motherhood was an arc that Hargitay advocated for after becoming a mother herself. Initially, the show’s creators were hesitant, fearing it would detract from her role as a detective. However, Hargitay saw it as an opportunity to add depth to Benson and to represent the multitasking nature of working women.
“I was so interested in making the character more complex in that beautiful way that women multitask and do so many jobs,” she said. “It was important to show that — what women do — and the real work. Because being a parent, I think, is the most important thing that we do in our lives.”
Conclusion
Mariska Hargitay’s journey through Law & Order: SVU has been transformative, both professionally and personally. Embracing the label of feminist while advocating for unity and compassion, Hargitay continues to inspire change and support victims of domestic violence through her foundation. Her story and the evolution of Olivia Benson highlight the importance of resilience, empathy, and the ongoing fight for women’s rights, making her a powerful force both on and off the screen.
