Supporting victims of burning injusticeーNHK WORLD-JAPAN NEWS
Despite economic and social successes, India struggles with cases of women being targeted in acid attacks that leave permanent physical and emotional scars. Weak enforcement of laws and gender disparity reflect some factors behind this situation. These days, survivors are increasingly taking matters into their own hands by setting up support centers while raising awareness so that no others suffer their fate. Shaheen Malik was 26 when her life took a gruesome turn. [Music] photo. At the time, the bright, confident woman was working as a student counselor while pursuing her MBA. All had been going well until one day on campus, several men ambushed her. The acid caused severe burns and claimed the vision in her right eye. Police determined the attack was ordered by her work supervisor who had young men carry it out. He was motivated by revenge after she rejected his advances. Malik abandoned both her MBA and job. Her life now taken over by constant medical treatment including 25 reconstructive surgeries over the years. Her case is not isolated. In India, more than 200 acid attacks are reported every year, though some estimate the figure to be higher. A factor behind this is the easy weaponization of acids found readily in inexpensive cleaning products. Another is India’s patriarchal society where men are seen as dominant over women. When this narrative is challenged, some seek revenge. There are very many crimes like murder, rape and throwing acid on her face is one such big crime because through this his ego is satisfied. He feels satisfied and he thinks that okay now her face is ruined, her life is ruined. But Malik refused to let her life be ruined. To support other survivors, she founded her NPO, Brave Souls, and a shelter that currently houses about 30 women. Monies raised from crowdfunding help them start over, and vocational training is key. They can learn English and other skills such as computer science. Professional teachers volunteer their time to tailor lessons to each individual’s needs. Acid scars go far beyond the physical. So mental health care is provided as many survivors struggle with PTSD. Hello. One woman who rebuilt her life with Malik’s help is Puja Gupta. At 18, she was attacked after rejecting a marriage proposal from her brother-in-law. When she first arrived at Brave Souls, she could barely speak. Gradually, she regained her confidence. [Music] Gupta now teaches English and math at a public learning center. Another source of strength is family. Gupta, who married after the attack, lives with her husband and two children. [Music] Husband support Gupta also campaigns to end acid attacks, often working with Malik and speaking at her events. India began regulating acid sales in 2013, but it’s still easy to buy. It also ruled for imposing sentences on offenders to 10 years or more. But trials drag on. Some suspects are released. Such factors fuel more attacks. Despite the challenges, Malik and her team remain positive that change for the better is attainable. Experts call acid attacks acts of torture. Their purpose is rarely to kill. The intention is inflicting lifelong physical and psychological suffering. Malik and our provide support beyond what we saw, including getting the survivors the compensation they deserve. They’re also pursuing legislation that would impose stricter penalties on offenders and making sure they’re locked up behind bars. Attacks with corrosives are not limited to India. Women in other parts of Asia also fall victim. Showing incredible courage, survivors are coming forward to show their faces and speak out. Their efforts are raising awareness. It may be the best weapon for preventing these crimes. And that’s all from me.
In economic powerhouse India, the huge problem of acid attacks against women persists. Survivors are showing their faces and speaking out to raise awareness and prevent this crime.
More stories on Asia: https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/tags/58/
Please subscribe HERE: http://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSPEjw8F2nQDtmUKPFNF7_A?sub_confirmation=1