The symbol of solidarity wrapped around Gisèle Pelicot's neck can be traced back to First Nations Australia
The world has been gripped by the landmark mass rape trial coming out of France in which Dominique Pelicot has been sentenced to 20 years in jail after being found guilty of drugging and raping his wife Gisèle Pelicot.
Gisèle, 72, has garnered global support and become a feminist hero after forgoing anonymity and insisting that the accused be subject to a public trial.
Throughout the trial, Gisèle has been seen wearing a patterned scarf – a symbol of strength and resilience that connects her across continents to supporters in Australia.
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Gisèle Pelicot wore a First Nations designed scarf that was gifted to her from an Australian organisation during the Pelicot rape trial. AP
The Guardian first reported that the scarf was a gift for Pelicot sent to her by the Older Women's Network, which is a national advocacy body for the rights, dignity and wellbeing of older women in Australia.
The silk scarf gifted by the network features a First Nations design by Martu artist Mulyatingki Marney from the Punmu community in Western Australia.
The brightly-coloured design is titled Wilwarra and depicts saltwater pools near Marney's home known for their healing properties.
It represents a story told in Jukurrpa (Dreaming) times where the moon cared for a family of dingoes and provided shelter for them at the saltwater pools. The Martu people still frequent the site today to bathe and heal any cuts or sores they may have.
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The Wilarra silk scarf by Mulyatingki Marney was gifted to Gisèle as a symbol of solidarity. One of Twelve
The artwork is also a symbol of strength and resilience.
Rhianna Stewart, acting manager of Martumili Artists spoke with Vogue on behalf of Marney and explained that Wilwarra "is an artwork speaking to resilience against adversity, for women across all peoples across the world."
For the Older Women's Network, this was the perfect gift to show solidarity with Gisèle.
Yumi Lee, the CEO of the Older Women's Network NSW tells Vogue "we chose the particular scarf because it is designed by a First Nations older woman, and the design is about healing."
"We also wanted her to have some connection to the incredible resilience of First Nations women, who have persisted and survived so much – including the violence of colonialism," she added.
The gift represented strength and resilience. AP Photo/Lewis Joly
Lee told The Guardian that she and other members of the network collected donations to make the gift happen.
She told Vogue that members "felt enraged" by Gisèle's story and wanted to "transform that anger into solidarity."
"We chose a scarf because we can't be there to hold our banners and shout our solidarity to her," she explained of the accessory that Giselle has worn around her neck throughout the trial.
"We sent something which could be symbolic of a virtual hug, we wanted her to know that when she wraps it around herself, she is wrapping herself with our love."
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Gisèle has received worlwide support for her bravery and advocacy. AP
On leaving the court in Avignon, France, Gisèle said she was "very honoured to wear it", The Guardian reports.
Her lawyer Stéphane Babonneau told The Guardian, "[Gisèle] was very touched to receive the scarf and see that on the issue of violence against women, even in Australia on the other side of the world, women feel the same way, and that there is a connection that united women across the world in standing up against violence against women, and particularly sexual violence."
Throughout the often harrowing trial, Gisèle has expressed that she wants to help remove the stigma of sexual assault for victims.
Violence against women remains a harrowing reality across the globe but Lee believes Gisèle's advocacy been a "big step to change the status quo", per The Guardian.
And in the face of a horrific trial, the symbol of solidarity wrapped around Gisèle's neck united women across the globe and became a beacon of hope for a better tomorrow.
Support is available at the National Sexual Assault, Domestic Family Violence Counselling Service 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732).
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