French politician, Gisele Pelicot, honored with the French Order of Merit - Gisèle Pelicot honored with France's Order of Merit Award
In a remarkable turn of events, Gisele Pelicot, a Frenchwoman who bravely spoke out against systemic sexual violence, has been honoured with France's highest civic award, the Legion of Honour. Born in 1952 in Villingen, West Germany, to a French military family, Pelicot had a privileged upbringing despite losing her mother at an early age.
Pelicot's life took a tragic turn when she married Dominique Pelicot in 1973. Over many years, Dominique drugged her and arranged for her to be raped by dozens of men between 2011 and 2020. Her courageous testimony at the 2024 trial against her former husband brought significant attention to her case internationally, leading to changes in France’s rape laws and emphasising the case's impact on women's rights and legal protections in France.
Following the trial, Pelicot has been recognised globally, being named among the world's most influential people by international media. In July 2025, she was awarded France's highest civic honour, the Legion of Honour (knight rank), in recognition of her courage and her role in advancing awareness and reform in matters of sexual violence and women's rights. This award was granted alongside other prominent figures, underscoring her importance in French society.
Since the trial, Pelicot has remained largely silent publicly but is reportedly working on a book to share her story in her own words, expected to be published in 2026. The book promises to provide a deeper insight into her harrowing experiences and her fight for justice.
In addition to Gisele Pelicot, other notable recipients of France's highest distinctions include 99-year-old Auschwitz survivor Yvette Levy and American musician and designer Pharrell Williams. Williams, a 52-year-old American, is the artistic director of men's collections at Louis Vuitton since 2023.
Pelicot's story serves as a beacon of hope and resilience, inspiring countless individuals to speak out against systemic sexual violence and advocate for change. Her bravery and determination have undoubtedly left a lasting impact on French society and the global conversation on women's rights.
- Gisele Pelicot, a remarkable Frenchwoman, bravely tackled systemic sexual violence and received France's highest civic award, the Legion of Honour, despite a challenging upbringing in Villingen, West Germany.
- Pelicot's impact on the global dialogue surrounding women's rights and legal protections is unprecedented, with her inclusion among the world's most influential people by international media.
- Beyond her public presence, Pelicot continues her work in private, writing a book expected to be published in 2026, detailing her harrowing experiences and the fight for justice she bore witness to.
- Notably, Pelicot, 99-year-old Auschwitz survivor Yvette Levy, and American musician and designer Pharrell Williams, the artistic director of Louis Vuitton's men's collections since 2023, are all recipients of France's highest distinctions, underscoring their influential roles in their respective fields.
