Shaheen Malik, an acid-attack survivor and disability rights activist in India, is fighting an uphill legal and social battle to secure justice and rehabilitation for others like her - and says she will not give up despite the odds. In 2009, Malik was attacked outside her workplace, resulting in her undergoing 25 surgeries and losing vision in one eye. After enduring a lengthy legal battle, her perpetrators were acquitted, leaving her devastated but determined to seek justice. She highlights that the current Indian disability law only recognizes visible disfiguration from acid attacks, ignoring those who suffer internal damages. In December, she petitioned the Supreme Court to amend this oversight, aiming to encapsulate all survivors under legal protection.
Malik has also co-founded the Brave Souls Foundation, which supports survivors by offering legal and economic assistance and providing shelter for those ostracized by society. Despite the difficulties faced by many, including poor health and low conviction rates in acid attack cases, she continues to push for accountability and better treatment for survivors.
As societal stigma persists, Malik's journey exemplifies resilience and the need for systemic change. With increased cases of acid attacks documented every year, her efforts shed light on a critical issue that demands urgent attention from both the public and the government.
Malik has also co-founded the Brave Souls Foundation, which supports survivors by offering legal and economic assistance and providing shelter for those ostracized by society. Despite the difficulties faced by many, including poor health and low conviction rates in acid attack cases, she continues to push for accountability and better treatment for survivors.
As societal stigma persists, Malik's journey exemplifies resilience and the need for systemic change. With increased cases of acid attacks documented every year, her efforts shed light on a critical issue that demands urgent attention from both the public and the government.
