# Gisèle Pelicot

> French serial rape victim and feminist icon (born 1952)

**Wikidata**: [Q130240908](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q130240908)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gisèle_Pelicot)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/gisele-pelicot

## Summary
Gisèle Pelicot is a French feminist icon and survivor of serial rape, born in 1952. She became a prominent advocate for women's rights and a symbol of resilience after publicly confronting 51 men accused of sexually abusing her, sparking national conversations about violence against women in France.

## Biography
- **Born**: December 7, 1952
- **Nationality**: French
- **Known for**: Being a serial rape victim who became a feminist icon and women's rights activist
- **Employer(s)**: Électricité de France (EDF)
- **Field(s)**: Women's rights, activism against violence against women

## Contributions
Gisèle Pelicot's most significant contribution is her public testimony and advocacy against sexual violence. In a highly publicized case, she confronted 51 men accused of raping her, bringing widespread attention to the issue of violence against women in France. Her courage has inspired other survivors to speak out and has contributed to broader feminist movements in the country.

## FAQs
**Who is Gisèle Pelicot?**
Gisèle Pelicot is a French feminist icon and survivor of serial rape, born in 1952. She gained national recognition for her bravery in confronting her alleged abusers and advocating for women's rights.

**What is Gisèle Pelicot known for?**
She is known for being a serial rape victim who became a symbol of resilience and a prominent advocate for women's rights in France.

**Where has Gisèle Pelicot worked?**
Gisèle Pelicot has been affiliated with Électricité de France (EDF), a French multinational electric utility company.

**What awards has Gisèle Pelicot received?**
She has received several awards, including the BBC 100 Women award, the Financial Times 25 Most Influential Women of 2024, the Prix Liberté, the Knight of the Legion of Honour, and the Time 100.

## Why They Matter
Gisèle Pelicot's public testimony and advocacy have had a profound impact on the conversation around sexual violence in France. Her bravery in confronting her alleged abusers has inspired other survivors to come forward and has contributed to a broader cultural shift in how society views and addresses violence against women. Her work has also highlighted the importance of supporting survivors and holding perpetrators accountable.

## Notable For
- **BBC 100 Women**: Recognized as one of the most influential women in the world.
- **Financial Times 25 Most Influential Women of 2024**: Listed among the most influential women globally.
- **Prix Liberté**: Awarded for her contributions to women's rights and advocacy against violence.
- **Knight of the Legion of Honour**: Received one of France's highest honors for her advocacy work.
- **Time 100**: Included in Time Magazine's annual listing of 100 influential people.

## Body
### Early Life and Background
Gisèle Pelicot was born on December 7, 1952, in France. She is known by her birth name, Gisèle Marie Françoise Guillou, and has become a prominent figure in the fight against violence against women.

### Career and Advocacy
Gisèle Pelicot has been affiliated with Électricité de France (EDF), a major French electric utility company. However, her most significant role has been as a women's rights activist and advocate against sexual violence. She gained national attention for her bravery in confronting 51 men accused of raping her, bringing widespread attention to the issue of violence against women in France.

### Public Testimony and Impact
Pelicot's public testimony has been a catalyst for change in how sexual violence is perceived and addressed in France. Her courage has inspired other survivors to speak out and has contributed to broader feminist movements in the country. Her advocacy work has been recognized with several prestigious awards, including the BBC 100 Women award, the Financial Times 25 Most Influential Women of 2024, the Prix Liberté, the Knight of the Legion of Honour, and the Time 100.

### Awards and Recognition
Gisèle Pelicot has received numerous awards for her advocacy work. These include:
- **BBC 100 Women**: An international award given by the BBC to recognize influential women.
- **Financial Times 25 Most Influential Women of 2024**: A list of the most influential women in the world.
- **Prix Liberté**: An award given by Normandie pour la Paix to recognize merit or excellence.
- **Knight of the Legion of Honour**: One of France's highest honors, awarded for her advocacy work.
- **Time 100**: Time Magazine's annual listing of 100 influential people.

### Legacy and Influence
Gisèle Pelicot's legacy is one of resilience and advocacy. Her public testimony and advocacy have had a profound impact on the conversation around sexual violence in France. She has inspired other survivors to come forward and has contributed to a broader cultural shift in how society views and addresses violence against women. Her work has also highlighted the importance of supporting survivors and holding perpetrators accountable.

### Personal Life
Gisèle Pelicot is known by her aliases Gisèle Pélicot and Gisele Pelicot. She has been a vocal advocate for women's rights and has used her platform to raise awareness about the issue of sexual violence. Her bravery and resilience have made her a symbol of hope and inspiration for many survivors of sexual violence.

## References

1. [« Une femme extraordinaire » : Gisèle Pelicot, la figure de proue des victimes de viol et de soumission chimique. Le Télégramme. 2024](https://www.letelegramme.fr/france/une-femme-extraordinaire-gisele-pelicot-la-figure-de-proue-des-victimes-de-viol-et-de-soumission-chimique-6661373.php)
2. Czech National Authority Database
3. [Procès des viols de Mazan: le divorce du couple Pelicot prononcé fin août. Agence France-Presse. 2024](https://u.afp.com/5984)
4. [Gisèle Pelicot, figure de proue des victimes de viol et de soumission chimique. Agence France-Presse. 2024](https://u.afp.com/59P2)
5. [BBC 100 Women](https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/resources/idt-4f79d09b-655a-42f8-82b4-9b2ecebab611)
6. [Financial Times 25 Most Influential Women of 2024](https://www.ft.com/womenof2024)
7. [Source](https://www.lemonde.fr/societe/article/2025/05/06/gisele-pelicot-laureate-du-prix-liberte-pour-son-combat-contre-les-violences-sexuelles_6603468_3224.html#:~:text=Gisèle%20Pelicot%2C%20devenue%20une%20icône,6%20mai%20la%20région%20Normandie.)
8. [De Gisèle Pelicot à Pharrell Williams : la promotion de la Légion d'honneur du 14-Juillet](https://fr.euronews.com/my-europe/2025/07/13/de-gisele-pelicot-a-pharrell-williams-la-promotion-de-la-legion-dhonneur-du-14-juillet)
9. [2025 TIME100: The 100 Most Influential People of 2025. Time. 2025](https://time.com/collections/100-most-influential-people-2025/)
10. Virtual International Authority File
11. BBC Things