Gisèle Pelicot, the 72-year-old French woman whose extraordinary courage during her mass-rape trial gripped the nation and the world, has been awarded France’s highest civilian distinction — the Legion of Honour.
The recognition came ahead of Bastille Day, as her name appeared on the annual list of honourees released by the French government on Sunday. Pelicot was one of 590 individuals awarded, but her inclusion stands as a powerful symbol of justice and resilience.
Pelicot garnered international attention last year after publicly waiving her right to anonymity and testifying against her husband, Dominique Pelicot.
During the high-profile trial, it was revealed that her husband had systematically drugged and raped her over a period of nearly ten years. Even more horrifying, he had invited approximately 50 men — many strangers — to take part in her abuse while she was unconscious.
Despite the traumatic nature of the case, Pelicot remained a constant presence in the courtroom, attending almost every day of proceedings. In December, her now ex-husband was sentenced to the maximum 20 years in prison for aggravated rape.
In a statement after the verdict, Pelicot told reporters, “I want all women who have been raped to say: Madame Pelicot did it, I can too,” asserting that her public stance aimed to make “shame swap sides” — placing it squarely on the shoulders of the perpetrators.
French President Emmanuel Macron praised Pelicot in a public tribute, calling her a “trailblazer” whose “dignity and courage moved and inspired France and the world.” The president’s office described her actions as a turning point in the national conversation about sexual violence and victim advocacy.
Her lawyer has confirmed that Pelicot is now preparing a memoir, scheduled for release early next year, which will chronicle her life and the years of abuse she endured in her own words.
Women’s rights advocates across France have welcomed the announcement, with many calling Pelicot’s decoration a “historic gesture” that legitimises the voices of rape survivors and pushes back against the societal silence that often surrounds such crimes.
The Legion of Honour, created by Napoleon Bonaparte in 1802, is the most prestigious award given by the French Republic, recognising exceptional service to the nation. Pelicot’s inclusion sends a clear message: that courage in the face of cruelty is among the highest forms of service.
Her story has not only shocked the conscience of a nation but has also empowered others to speak up, reinforcing the urgent need to dismantle the stigma surrounding sexual assault and stand in solidarity with survivors.
