SHEROES
As we were driving through Agra on the way to Delhi, my driver pointed to this sign:
I chuckled, thinking it was just a funny sign. And then he explained - it's a restaurant run by survivors (they refer to themselves as fighters) of acid attacks. It's one of several ways that these women are taking their lives back. I asked him if we could turn around and go back. We did.
These brave, strong women, and their friends have come through horror and are striding forward into futures of their own choosing. The cafe is small and sweet, and stocked with books, artwork, and clothing designed by one of the fighters. Another fighter is working towards becoming a photographer. I wanted to buy an incredible painting created by another fighter, but she is about to have an exhibition of her work, and she couldn't let it go. These women have produced a calendar featuring their beautiful selves. I am going to quote directly from the calendar (I bought six):
|"The idea behind the calendar shoot modeled by Acid Attack fighters emerged from the debate on the true meaning of beauty...We stand against all those who discriminate and misjudge those who have lost their faces but have strived to retain their identities...People whom we consider ugly have emerged as the faces who love themselves and spread love and positivity."
How to contact the group:
www.fb.com/StopAcidAttacks
www.paltan.in
stopacidattacks@gmail.com
