# Avignon's Ramparts Resonate with Messages Against Rape Culture

The walls of Avignon serve as both a historical backdrop and a canvas for activism, focusing attention on the recent convictions in the Gisèle Pelicot case.

The ancient ramparts of Avignon, France, have always been a symbol of strength and protection, once guarding popes and repelling sieges. However, in recent months, they have taken on a new role—standing witness to the ongoing discourse about violence against women. As the high-profile trial of Gisèle Pelicot unfolded, a local feminist collective known as the Amazons of Avignon transformed the historic walls into a vibrant platform for activism.

In early September, just before the trial’s commencement, members of the Amazons plastered the city with poignant messages highlighting the plight of sexual violence victims. Writings proclaimed, “Rapist, we see you,” and “Victims, we believe you,” directly addressing the 51 men convicted in the mass rape case. This initiative wasn’t just a spontaneous act; the group had been active for years, tackling the issue of rape culture with a relentless spirit intensified by the public nature of this singular trial.

Over the span of four months, local reporters Catherine Porter and Ségolène Le Stradic documented how the trial resonated throughout Avignon. The feminist statements adorning the walls reflected a community rallying against years of silence around sexual violence. By demanding public access to the trial, Pelicot herself invigorated the movement, empowering fellow survivors and allies to join in the fight against such crimes.

As people pass through the cobblestone streets of Avignon, they are reminded not just of the city’s storied past but of a present marked by a new resolve—a community uniting around a powerful message: that rape is never just a private matter, but a societal ill demanding attention and action. The Amazons of Avignon continue to lead the charge, ensuring that the walls speak for those who have been silenced for too long.