Power People: Najell x Mariette

Power People is a series of conversations with people who create their own path. Together, we explore creativity, ambition, identity, and the experiences that define us.

This time, we meet Mariette, an artist, songwriter, and one of the participants in Sweden’s Eurovision selection. Together with her wife Isabelle, she welcomed their first child, Dante, on 8 November last year. Just a few months after giving birth, Mariette returned to the stage, facing public reactions and criticism around balancing her career with early parenthood. We sat down with her to talk about work and family life, gender equality, and the realities of mom-shaming.

On her Instagram, Mariette has written that it feels like women are criticizing women – and that it needs to stop. Asked what she thinks it will actually take to get there, she doesn't hesitate.

– I think it has to start with each individual, Mariette says. I get the feeling that those who mother-shame are usually having a hard time themselves. But instead of pushing down, maybe they should reach out a hand and ask for advice. To dare to talk about their challenges in parenting. Being human is tough enough, and being a parent is even tougher. We need to support each other to be the best versions of ourselves, for the sake of our children.

Both Mariette and Isabelle believe in inclusive parenting – bringing their children into their working lives rather than keeping the two separate.

– Both my wife and I believe in inclusive parenting, and for us, it works very well to combine work and life. For example, being able to take the whole family with me when I have gigs means we get to spend so much more time together and get to share memories for life. I’m a parent even when I’m on stage. Isabelle is a parent even when she’s sitting in her office. What’s to say our kids can’t be involved and see their parents in those roles, too? I feel like "work" is such a negatively charged word. I think it’s important to show the younger ones that work can also be something you really love and let them be a part of it.

Being two mothers hasn’t drawn extra criticism on the parenting front, Mariette says – but it hasn’t spared them either.

– Unfortunately, we get a lot of criticism for being two mothers. It’s frightening how many people think that a child needs a father to have a good upbringing. But I think mother-shaming is based on other people’s insecurities and feelings.

She’s also questioned publicly why new fathers with careers get celebrated while mothers get criticized.

– I think society is built on norms that are still prevalent. We have come a long way on many issues, but we have a long way to go. We have to continue to be role models and fight for change because it won’t happen overnight.

Alongside the criticism, Mariette says, comes plenty of support.

– Oh, there is so much love! Haha! I hardly know where to start. But I think it’s especially nice when people open up to me and tell me their experiences, good and bad. It’s vulnerable and so nice. It makes me feel like we’re working with each other instead of against each other.

Her message to other parents facing shaming is direct.

– Take no notice. You know your child/children best and you know their needs. Reach out and be proud of all you accomplish and have accomplished.

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More from Power People:

Rebecca & Fiona – On creativity, motherhood, and making space for both.

Ilana Buhl – On distance, belonging, and raising a child between two homes.

Oh La Mère – On entrepreneurship, loneliness and building a place to belong.

Explore the series