Open letter from Zonta International President to Gisèle Pelicot:
Open letter from Zonta International President to Gisèle Pelicot:
As the Zonta International President, I want to thank Giséle Pelicot of France for her braveness.
Over a span of 10 years, more than 200 horrendous acts of rape, sexual abuse and violence were enacted upon an unconscious Gisèle by more than 50 men all orchestrated by her then husband.
Speaking up against gender-based violence, rape and sexual assault, no matter the circumstances, is difficult. Yet, Gisèle did it; she chose to speak up. By doing so, she waived her right to anonymity and shifted the shame from the victim onto the perpetrators.
There are no words to sufficiently describe the horror Gisèle Pelicot endured. We can only say, thank you, Gisèle.
While the outcome of this trial cannot undo the past or erase the pain and suffering you endured, your actions to stand up and to speak out against a society that trivializes rape and abuse will leave a lasting impression. By having an open court for your case, you are uncovering the issues that so many go through in shadowed secrecy. The women and girls who suffer in silence see by your example what we will no longer accept. You are giving those women and girls a voice.
The trial is over, but our work against gender-based violence, a severe violation of human rights, continues. We Zontians will not give up. Governments around the world should protect women and girls through enforceable legislation. Systemic change is not only needed to better protect and support survivors, but it is needed to make sure that the perpetrators in cases like Gisèle Pelicot’s are prosecuted to the full extent of the legal system and the justice their crimes demand. We must also work to address the underlying issues that led to these actions and recognize the need for psychological help and rehabilitation to prevent this from happening ever again.
On behalf of the more than 25,000 Zontians in 64 countries, thank you, Gisèle, for being resilient, strong and brave.
Sincerely,
Salla Tuominen
2024-2026 President
Zonta International