Acid attacks are a horrific form of violence against women and girls. They involve throwing corrosive substances, such as sulfuric acid or nitric acid, on the victim’s face or body, causing severe and permanent damage. According to the Acid Survivors Trust International, there are an estimated 1,500 acid attacks every year worldwide, with 80% of the victims being women and girls. In Ethiopia, where acid attacks are not well documented, the number of cases is unknown, but it is believed to be increasing.
In this article, we will share the stories of five acid attack survivors who overcome their scars and inspire others with their courage and resilience. These women have faced unimaginable pain, trauma and stigma, but they have not given up on their dreams and hopes. They have also participated in a fashion show in London to raise awareness of acid attacks and to celebrate their beauty and strength.
Sonali’s story
Sonali was only 17 days old when she was attacked with acid by an intruder who had a land dispute with her father. The acid melted her skull and left her with severe deformities. She grew up facing discrimination and bullying from other children, who called her names like “monster” and “alien”. She felt lonely and isolated, and often wished she was dead.
But Sonali did not let her scars define her. She received support from ActionAid Bangladesh and the Acid Survivors’ Network, which helped her to stay in education and make friends. She also underwent several surgeries to reconstruct her face and improve her vision. Sonali learned to accept herself and to be confident in her abilities. She is now studying at a college in Dhaka and hopes to become a lawyer or a journalist.
Sonali is also an advocate for acid attack survivors and a role model for many girls. She participated in a fashion show in London in 2022, where she walked the runway with other survivors and received a standing ovation from the audience. She said: “I want to show the world that we are not victims, we are survivors. We are beautiful and we are strong.”
NurunNahar’s story
NurunNahar was attacked with acid by her ex-husband in 1995 when she refused to live with him and his new wife. The acid burned her face, chest, hands and legs, leaving her with deep scars and disfigurement. What’s more, she also lost her sight in one eye and her hearing in one ear. She was abandoned by her family and friends, who blamed her for provoking the attack. She felt hopeless and helpless, and thought that her life was over.
But NurunNahar did not let her scars destroy her. She received support from ActionAid Bangladesh and the Acid Survivors’ Network, which helped her to access medical treatment, legal aid and counselling. Furthermore, she also joined a self-help group of other survivors, where she found solidarity and empowerment. She learned new skills, such as sewing and handicrafts, and started earning an income. Additionally, she also regained her dignity and self-esteem.
NurunNahar is now an advocate for women’s rights and a leader in her community. She participated in a fashion show in London in 2022, where she walked the runway with other survivors and received a warm applause from the audience. She said: “I want to show the world that we are not ashamed, we are proud. We are not weak, we are powerful.”
Atsede’s story
Atsede was attacked with acid by her estranged husband in 2017 when he pretended to be calling from abroad. The acid destroyed her face and left her with no eyes, nose or mouth. She could not get proper treatment in Ethiopia, where there are no specialized burn units or plastic surgeons. What’s more, suffered from excruciating pain, infection and depression. She also missed her son, who stayed in Ethiopia with his grandparents.
But Atsede did not let her scars defeat her. She received support from Menbere Aklilu, an Ethiopian women’s rights activist based in the US, who arranged for her to get treatment in the US. She also received donations from people around the world, who were touched by her story. Atsede underwent several surgeries to rebuild her face and restore some of her functions. She learned to communicate through writing and gestures. She also found love and friendship among strangers who cared for her.
Atsede is now grateful for the kindness and love she received from others. She participated in a fashion show in London in 2022, where she walked the runway with other survivors and received a cheerful cheer from the audience. She said: “I want to show the world that we are not alone, we are together. We are not sad, we are happy.”
Reema Kumari’s story
Reema Kumari is one of the acid attack survivors who overcame her scars and inspired others with her courage and resilience. She was attacked by her abusive husband and uncle in 2018, when she was 20 years old. They threw acid on her face and cut her right thumb, intending to destroy her life and her dreams. She suffered 80% burns and had to undergo several surgeries and treatments.
But Reema did not let her scars stop her. She received support from Brave Souls Foundation, an NGO run by another acid attack survivor, Shaheen Malik. The foundation helped her with her medical expenses, legal aid and counselling. Reema also found a new family at Apna Ghar, a shelter home for acid attack survivors, where she lived with other women who shared similar experiences and struggles.
Reema is now a confident and hopeful young woman, who wants to pursue her education and career. She also wants to raise awareness of acid attacks and the need to ban the open sale of acid. Additionally, she participated in a symposium at The Lalit hotel in Delhi, where she shared her story and her aspirations with the audience. She said: “I want to show the world that we are not victims, we are survivors. Read more about her terifying story here.
Shaheen Malik’s Story
Shaheen Malik is another acid attack survivor who overcame her scars and inspired others with her courage and resilience. She was attacked in 2009 by a man sent by her employer, who was jealous of her achievements and competence. The acid burned 90 percent of her face and body, leaving her with deep scars and disfigurement.
But Shaheen did not let her scars stop her. She received support from various organizations, such as the Delhi Commission for Women, the Human Rights Law Network and the Meer Foundation, where she worked on the issues of acid attack and gender-based violence. She also started her own NGO, Brave Soul Foundation, in 2021, which runs a shelter home, Apna Ghar, for acid attack survivors who have been abandoned by their families. The foundation helps the survivors with medical intervention, therapy, skill development and legal aid, as well as providing food and shelter.
Shaheen is now a confident and hopeful woman, who wants to pursue her education and career. She also wants to raise awareness of acid attacks and the need to ban the open sale of acid. Shaheen has helped over 300 acid attack survivors rebuild their lives and has been recognized by the Indian government and other organizations for her work. She said: “I want to show the world that we are not victims, we are survivors. We are not ugly, we are beautiful.”
Conclusion
These are the stories of five acid attack survivors who overcame their scars and inspire others. They have faced unimaginable challenges and difficulties, such as physical pain, emotional trauma, social stigma and lack of justice. But they have also shown incredible courage and resilience, and have not given up on their dreams and hopes. They have also participated in a fashion show in London to raise awareness of acid attacks and to celebrate their beauty and strength.
We salute these women and all the other acid attack survivors who are fighting for their rights and dignity. We also call for action to end violence against women and girls, and to support organizations that help acid attack survivors, such as ActionAid Bangladesh, the Acid Survivors’ Network and Menbere Aklilu’s foundation. Together, we can make a difference and create a world where everyone can live in peace and harmony.
