Gisèle Pelicot: from victim to global symbol of the fight against gender violence.

Since the moment Gisèle Pelicot decided to make public the trial she was facing against her ex-husband and 50 other men, her life took a radical turn. At 72 years old, this French grandmother became a symbol of courage and resilience, not only for herself but for all women who have been victims of gender-based violence. Her story, which began in the intimacy of her personal experience, transformed into a global phenomenon that resonated in the streets, in the media, and even in protests. Before September 2, 2024, few knew Pelicot's face; there were hardly any images of her on the internet. However, at the end of a harrowing four-month rape trial, her figure became an icon of struggle. Images of her face, with her vibrant orange bob and distinctive round sunglasses, began to fill the streets of France, becoming a symbol of resistance and female power. She was no longer just Gisèle, the ordinary grandmother; she had transformed into a reference for millions of women who have felt helpless. Posters featuring her image adorn the facades of buildings and have been reproduced on various digital platforms, including a striking portrait on the cover of Vogue Germany. The artist LaDame Quicolle, who created a large-scale artwork of Pelicot displayed in several European cities, highlighted that the strength of this ordinary woman is what makes her so extraordinary. "It is precisely because Gisèle Pelicot is an everyday woman that her image is so impactful," she stated. As the trial progressed, Pelicot's face became a symbol of the fight against objectification and abuse. According to her lawyer, Stéphane Babonneau, her presence on the stand was not just an act of personal bravery but a declaration of intent for all women who have suffered in silence. "The shame has changed sides," said Babonneau, emphasizing the power Pelicot has in reclaiming her narrative and image. The trial not only exposed the brutality of her experience but also revealed how society judges victims. By choosing to present herself simply yet dignified, Pelicot challenged cultural expectations of what a victim should look like. Her appearance became an act of resistance, a way to show that, although she had been a victim, she no longer felt helpless. The evolution of her image throughout the trial reflects a journey of empowerment. As Pelicot's confidence grew, so did her desire to connect visually with those who supported her. Initially using her sunglasses as emotional protection transformed into a symbol of her own identity and strength, until she ultimately set them aside to face the public with a clear gaze. Choosing a silk scarf adorned with designs of Aboriginal women from Australia during the testimonies of her abusers was a conscious act of solidarity and recognition of her own strength. This small detail, which might seem insignificant, became a powerful reminder that the fight against gender-based violence is not only personal but collective. The impact of Gisèle Pelicot goes beyond her individual story. Her image has become part of a broader narrative, akin to other representations of courage in times of crisis, from the famous photograph of the man in front of the tank in Tiananmen Square to the protesters in Turkey and the United States. These images transcend time and space, becoming symbols of resistance and hope. Pelicot's trial has not only been a judicial process but a moment of transformation in social perception of gender-based violence. Through her bravery, she has made many women feel seen and heard. Her story represents a paradigm shift in the fight for women's rights, a reminder that, although the scars of the past may be deep, dignity and strength can prevail. Gisèle Pelicot, with her face and her story, has managed not only to reclaim her image but has given voice to countless women who have suffered in silence. Her legacy is one of courage, resilience, and above all, hope. In a world where stories of abuse are often hidden, her presence in the courts and in the collective consciousness is a testament that the fight against gender-based violence is far from over, and that every day, more women are willing to stand up and be heard.