Thousands have signed a UK petition urging the Nobel Committee to confer the Nobel Peace Prize on Frenchwoman Gisele Pelicot, recognizing her courageous response after facing many years of drugging and sexual abuse by her ex-husband and unknown assailants he solicited online.
As posted by writer and activist Catherine Mayer on change.org, the petition stresses the power and resilience shown by Pelicot in the whole trial process leading to the guilty verdict against her ex-husband, Dominique Pelicot, and the remaining 50 others who attacked her. According to Mayer, it is difficult “to think of any form of violence that poses a greater challenge to peace than sexual violence.”
Gisele Pelicot, 72 years old, was a pillar of strength when she waived her anonymity in court to testify against those who had made life hell for her. Her bravery has inspired women across the globe and highlighted the issue of gendered violence.
A recent surge in signatures, with over 18,000 added yesterday alone, made the total jump to 34,324 after the petition was started in English on December 20. There is also now a French translation of the petition, launched Wednesday.
Mayer, one of the cofounders of the Women’s Equality Party added, “Gisele Pelicot cut through the smog of misinformation by bravely attending the trial of her attackers and sharing her testimony.” The petition seeks to ensure that the Nobel Committee as well as any eligible nominator take note of Pelicot’s extraordinary contribution toward the fight against sexual violence.
