In South Asia, women and children — particularly little girls — face a singularly brutal threat, one that is chillingly common: acid attacks.
Women have nitric or sulfuric acid thrown onto their faces for some perceived transgression, rendering them permanently disfigured, causing extreme physical and mental health damage, and sometimes even killing them.
If this shocks you, it should. But luckily, there are people in the world who won't stand for heinous abuse, like this amazing group of bikers.
And in Agra, India, female victims of these crimes — many of whom suffered them at the hands of family members or spouses — are taking a stand.
They have founded a cafe called Sheroes' Hangout, where women and girls who have been affected by these terrible crimes can gather, learn, and receive support. They're also spreading the word on Facebook and Twitter.
Read about what these incredible women have overcome, and how they're helping make the world a better place.
(h/t: Take Part)
In India and other parts of South Asia, acid attacks are not uncommon, particularly against women. They result in disfigurement and permanent damage, and can be fatal.
Sheroes' Hangout was started by and for survivors of these terrifying attacks, and serves as a place where these women can find strength and support.
Located in Agra, home of the Taj Mahal, it's become quite popular.
The cafe serves food and beverages, but also serves as an information hub — with a library, a community radio, an activism workshop, and an exhibition space where the women can display their artwork.
It also hosts music and events, where people can learn about community issues and how they can help.
To raise awareness, some of the survivors shared the harrowing stories of their attacks — and the incredible ones of their survival.
Many women are attacked as 'punishment.' According to Geeta Mahor, there's a particularly frightening motive behind them: 'They don't want to kill you,' she explained. 'They want to make you ugly so that no one can love you.'
Some women, like Neetu, Geeta Mahor's daughter, have borne these scars since childhood. But even though Neetu lost her sister and most of her vision, she's still going, and still helping take a stance against these attacks.
The disfigurement is seen as a 'retaliation,' and it's estimated that half of the women and girls attacked are attacked for declining a proposal or relationship, usually from much older men. Dolly, seen here, is only 15 years old today.
Men are usually the perpetrators of these crimes, but not always. Rupa was attacked by her stepmother. Today, she manages the cafe and sells handmade items there.
Although their lives have been marked with pain and hardship, these women are banding together to support fellow victims, and to make these attacks a thing of the past.
Sheroes' Hangout provides them with a space to relax, socialize, and get involved with their community.
Many are able to smile and feel beautiful for the first time in a long time.
In addition to the camaraderie, all of the proceeds from the cafe's sales go to rehabilitation services for acid attack survivors.
Today, people come from all over the world to visit Sheroes' Hangout and lend their support to the women.
These women, and sadly many more, have experienced pain and victimization like no human being ever should.
But thanks to their resolve and their will to live full lives, they're inspiring people across the globe.
To help their important movement to end acid attacks and abuse the world over, please SHARE their amazing story!
