Burning a woman’s face with acid lurches her future into flames. The physical can be doused, but her core will eternally burn with the sting of having been brutally violated. How can one be considered beautiful with deep, blackened burn lines and a glass eye? How can one earn a livelihood when turned away at the door? And how can one be loved when shunned by family members? This is the plight of the acid survivors.

The acid survivors are mostly women who have been burnt as a result of land disputes, refusal of sex, refusal of marriage, and dowry issues. Survivors also include men and children. The attacks occur in Bangladesh, Cambodia, India, and Pakistan, among other countries.

This past fall, two Pakistani-American women, Sara Qadir and Samira Khan held a third annual event in Washington, DC to raise money for the Acid Survivors. In particular, the funds would enhance the Acid Survivors Foundation (ASF) ability to create livelihood opportunities for the women by involving them in crafts, such sewing and the creation of special bandages for surgery.

In 2006, Samira spent a year working with the Acid Survivors Foundation (ASF) in Dhaka Bangladesh. She witnessed the internal glows of victims like Dolly and Baby who were involved in these crafts and took pride in their independence and work. One survivor fell in love and got married as well. Samira realized that these survivors don’t cease be vibrant due to the burns; Although they sting eternally, they are able to build the strength to rise above and leave the past to ash. However, this process must be supported by networks/organizations that provide health, social, and legal counsel, to these women. These brighter avenues are made possible by donors/funds.

Realizing the critical importance of this mission, Sara Qadir joined Samira in planning the second and third annual events and with her drive, the two women plan to start a chapter of the organization in the US to continue the link of support and understanding between East and West; The idea would be to generate models and campaigns in the West as well as the East to raise awareness on and mitigate the impacts of acid violence.

This past fall, the event attracted many young Pakistanis and other South Asians in the area who were brought to tears by the tragic nature of the violence. Each year, thousands of dollars are raised and the Sara and Samira continue to garner increasing support in many ways – financially, through free services provided to the event, emotionally, and more.

The physical damage to these women may be irreversible, but they can be assisted and loved by us. About ten years ago, Save the Children brought a ten year-old girl, Nurjahan Mondul, from Dhaka to the US for treatment. She lived in Florida with a host mother for years on and off. She appeared on the Oprah Winfrey Show, continued to excel as a student, and has many friends. However, upon gaining admission to college, she was sent back to Dhaka due to visa issues. Emotionally and effectively, this is her new home. Samira plans to take on the issue of this girl with the launch of the new chapter. She wants to bring her back home and help her fulfill her dreams of an American college education.

All in all, support is what allows these vulnerable victims to become Survivors. Again, in Dhaka, Bangladesh, ASF is an organization providing legal counsel, medical attention, jobs, and friendships to these women. Without the support of immediate family, many victims are not able to come from the rural areas to Dhaka to seek help. ASF uses BRAC, an NGO with field offices all over the country, to learn about attacks immediately and provide attention.

In Pakistan, Masarrat Misbah, the owner of Depilex (one of the most renowned beauty salons in Lahore) was approached by a victim and decided to take action. She contacted Smile Again, an Italian nonprofit that has provided medical services to burn victims in other countries. She got some treatment and provided them training/jobs in her salon.

Sara and Samira would like to reach out to the Pakistani community in DC to help band with them to assist these survivors in getting support and bringing the perpetrators to justice. Our love can engender new life in the acid victims.
-- Samira Khan, Co-organizer of Third Annual Acid Survivors Event, DC

Images courtesy Tarek Ahmed.