Gisèle Pelicot, an emblematic figure in the fight against gender-based violence, received the Spanish Order of Civil Merit on March 3, 2026, from Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez. This distinction recognizes her universal struggle to "shift the shame from the perpetrators."
A solemn tribute in Madrid
During a moving ceremony, Pedro Sánchez praised Gisèle Pelicot's "determination" in transforming "silence into collective awareness." He expressed his "deep respect" for this woman who dared to raise her voice against "unbearable male violence," extending her activism beyond French borders.
The Spanish leader decorated the septuagenarian for her pioneering role in "a cultural shift essential for society as a whole," through her advocacy for women's rights and freedoms. This official recognition establishes Gisèle Pelicot as a standard-bearer for a global cause.
— Luv (@cherrymagazinee) March 5, 2026
From Mazan to European capitals
Following the landmark trial of her ex-husband in Mazan, where 50 men were convicted of drug-fueled gang rapes, Gisèle Pelicot has been making numerous international public appearances. Her book, "Et la joie de vivre" (And the Joy of Living), which has already sold hundreds of thousands of copies, recounts her ordeal and her resilience.
Received by Queen Camilla in London
Recently honored by Queen Camilla in the United Kingdom, who said she was "shocked" by her story, Gisèle Pelicot is now undertaking a series of meetings throughout Europe. From Madrid to London, she is carrying a universal message: the shame must shift to the perpetrators, and victims must speak out.
By awarding Gisèle Pelicot the medal, Pedro Sánchez honors a woman who transformed the Mazan trial into a global societal turning point. A symbol of unwavering courage, she reminds us that transforming suffering into a collective struggle can change mindsets. A well-deserved distinction for someone who now rejects the label of victim.
