Champion of the Year 2024

The Champions Committee have thus decided that the Champion of the Year for 2024 will go to a woman, who has never backed-down from her cause to pursue justice for herself. She has represented millions of women who couldn’t speak for themselves, she displayed outstanding courage and bravery.

The Champions Committee has decided to award the Champion of the Year for 2024 to Gisèle Pelicot. She has been selected for her fight for women's rights and service to justice for all.

The Committee found her unwavering devotion to her cause an outstanding act of bravery to herself, her family, and women across the world. Gisèle Pelicot was raped at least 92 time by 72 different men, including her husband, over the course of nine years (2011-2020). In December 2024, 50 men were convicted, including her husband, of her rape.

Gisèle waived her right to anonymity, allowing the world to see her face and the press into the courtroom. Her decision to do so showed the world that the victim behind these heinous crimes was human, an ordinary woman, who was abused and violated. She became the face of all-women who had faced similar horrific assaults of their dignity overnight.

“I am immensely grateful for the extraordinary support I have received since the beginning of the trial. I now want to tell my story in my own words. Through this book, I hope to convey a message of strength and courage to all those who are subjected to difficult ordeals. May they never feel shame. And in time, may they even learn to savour life again and find peace.”
-Gisèle Pelicot.

ENDS