• Gisele Pelicot awarded the Legion of Honour for her courage in exposing systemic sexual abuse.
• Her trial led to significant changes in France’s rape laws.
• Pelicot publicly waived her anonymity during the trial, inspiring other survivors.
• The case educated the public and reignited discussions on sexual violence in France.

Gisele Pelicot, recognized internationally for her courageous testimony about years of abuse, has been awarded France's top civilian honor, the Legion of Honour, as announced just before the country’s Bastille Day celebrations. The 72-year-old was among 589 recipients of this prestigious award, highlighting her significant contributions toward advocating women’s rights in France where her trial had a profound impact on the legal definition of rape, emphasizing the importance of consent, according to Al Jazeera, BBC, and India Times.

Pelicot became a symbol of courage after publicly testifying against her ex-husband Dominique Pelicot, who drugged and orchestrated assaults on her over a decade. His conviction and the sentences handed down to his 50 co-defendants reaffirmed the seriousness of sexual violence in France, prompting lawmakers to reconsider existing legislation. President Emmanuel Macron hailed her as a trailblazer, saying her “dignity and courage moved and inspired France and the world,” highlighting the trial’s influence on societal views on sexual violence, according to Al Jazeera and BBC.

As she continues to advocate for survivors of sexual assault, Pelicot has indicated plans to publish a memoir detailing her experience and perspectives, further contributing to the ongoing conversation about sexual violence and the need for systemic change in France. Her case has not only altered the legal frameworks but also encouraged other victims to come forward, championing the notion that "shame swap sides" from victims to perpetrators, a message she passionately conveyed during her trial, reports BBC and India Times.