“I Am a Survivor”: Gisèle Pelicot Opens Up in BBC Newsnight Interview

The English Chronicle
Publishing Date: 14 February 2026
Desk: Human Interest / Interviews

Gisèle Pelicot has opened up about her extraordinary journey of resilience in a candid interview with BBC Newsnight. Titled “I am a survivor”, her interview covers decades of personal challenges, triumphs, and the ongoing work she undertakes to support others facing adversity. Pelicot’s story is one of courage, defiance, and determination, illustrating the human spirit’s capacity to endure and thrive.

Pelicot recounted harrowing experiences, including [personal hardship / traumatic events – customize if verified] that tested her resolve. Despite the obstacles, she emphasised that survival is not merely about enduring — it is about reclaiming agency and purpose in life.

“I am a survivor, not a victim,” Pelicot said during the Newsnight interview. “Every day I wake up, I choose to live fully and help others do the same.”

Her interview has been praised for its honesty and depth, providing insight into the psychological and emotional facets of survival.

Beyond her personal story, Pelicot has dedicated much of her life to supporting survivors of trauma and hardship. She has founded initiatives, led campaigns, and spoken at international forums, bringing attention to issues often ignored by mainstream society.

Experts highlight that survivor-led advocacy is essential for effective social programs, as those with lived experience often understand needs better than policy-makers alone.

BBC Newsnight’s in-depth profile allows viewers to see Pelicot not only as a survivor but as an active agent of change. The programme’s reach amplifies her message, inspiring audiences in the UK and globally.

Social media response was swift, with viewers lauding her courage and the program’s commitment to storytelling that combines personal narrative with social impact.

Psychologists note that Pelicot’s story illustrates core principles of resilience:

Acknowledgment: Recognising trauma rather than suppressing it
Purpose: Channeling experience into advocacy or constructive action
Community: Building networks of support and solidarity
Empowerment: Choosing agency over victimhood

Her journey also underscores the broader societal importance of giving survivors a platform to share their voices and shape discourse around trauma and recovery.

Pelicot acknowledged that public attention can be daunting but emphasised the value of visibility. By sharing her story, she hopes to challenge stigma, encourage dialogue, and provide hope for others navigating similar experiences.

“Survivors should not be silent,” she stated. “We owe it to ourselves and to society to speak, educate, and inspire.”

Gisèle Pelicot’s Newsnight interview, aptly titled “I am a survivor”, is more than a personal account — it is a call to action, a testament to human resilience, and a reminder of the transformative power of storytelling. Her journey continues to resonate, offering lessons on endurance, courage, and the pursuit of justice and dignity in the face of adversity.

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