Gisele Pelicot’s Aboriginal Scarf: A Symbol of Global Support

When Gisele Pelicot appeared in a French courthouse to witness the dozens of men who sexually assaulted her face justice, she wore a scarf described as a “hug” from across the globe. The 72-year-old has emerged as a worldwide feminist figure, having relinquished her right to anonymity as a survivor of sexual assault to insist that “shame change sides,” shifting from the victim to the perpetrator. The scarf was a present from Australia’s Older Women’s Network, whose members were moved by Ms. Pelicot’s courage and wished to offer her an item symbolizing their backing and appreciation. “A scarf is like a hug… It’s draped around your neck and it hangs close to your heart,” stated Beverly Baker, the 74-year-old president of the advocacy group, to the BBC. “We sent it to her in solidarity, to say, ‘Look, you’re not alone. Women across the world are backing you’.” Ms. Pelicot frequently wore the scarf throughout the difficult trial, including during her testimony. Her former husband, Dominique Pelicot, also 72, received a 20-year prison sentence on Thursday—the maximum penalty—after confessing to drugging and raping his wife for more than ten years and inviting other men to abuse her as well. He stood trial alongside 50 other individuals, all of whom were convicted of at least one charge and given diverse prison terms. These convictions concluded France’s most extensive rape trial to date, an event that has stunned both the nation and the international community over its three-month duration. “It’s absolutely heartbreaking,” Ms. Baker commented. “We were gobsmacked that not only did it occur, but this amazing woman was brave enough… to put herself out there to stop it happening to other women.” The Older Women’s Network additionally sought to link Ms. Pelicot with the 60,000 years of endurance and bravery embodied by Australia’s Indigenous women, selecting a scarf that showcases the art of Mulyatingki Marney, an 83-year-old Aboriginal artist. Her artistic creation portrays a group of saltwater pools in Western Australia’s secluded Pilbara region, recognized by the Martu people for their restorative qualities, and conveys a cultural narrative concerning a dingo family. “The moon is taking care of the dingo pups, it’s looking after them,” Ms. Marney is quoted as stating, in her description of the artwork. Ms. Marney was not available for an interview with the BBC, but Rhianna Stewart from Martumili Artists, her representative, indicated that she viewed the scarf as representing Ms. Marney’s struggles in desert life and her confrontation with colonial violence. She noted parallels between the scarf’s creator and its wearer: “This lady [Ms Pelicot] as a person is truth telling too, about difficult realities.” The scarf has become a point of pride for other members of the Martumili Artists group, as Martu woman Sylvia Wilson informed the Australian Broadcasting Corporation. “It’s the place Wilarra, which is a healing place out on community,” she explained. “There’s a really strong message… what’s behind the scarf too.” Last month, Ms. Pelicot expressed that she was “very honoured” to wear the gift. Speaking outside the court after the verdicts, she stated that despite the trial being a “very difficult ordeal,” she “never regretted” her choice to make it public. “I opened the doors of this trial so society could see what was happening,” Ms. Pelicot remarked, further stating that the support she had received instilled hope for a “better future” where men and women can coexist in “mutual respect.” Ms. Baker asserted that Ms. Pelicot’s “generous” courage is undoubtedly contributing to a shift in discussions surrounding sexual violence in Australia. “We know that people are now listening to the fact that older women are the victims of sexual abuse.” “Rape has got nothing to do with being young or traditionally attractive. Rape has got to do with violence and power.” That’s just such a powerful message, not just for older women, but for younger women as well… It is not their fault.” She expressed her hope that Ms. Pelicot now has an opportunity to heal. “We just wish her the best for the rest of her life, so that she is able to live in dignity and respect and joy.” Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read about our approach to external linking.