Acid attacks

Sonali, an acid attack survivor from Bangladesh, speaks about her experience of being attacked with acid, how she has recovered, and why she stands with women and girls to say #MyBodyIsMine.

On Tuesday 10 October, ActionAid UK and ActionAid Bangladesh came together to put on a fashion show with a difference. Instead of celebrating traditional ideals of beauty, Survivors' Runway celebrated the inner beauty and strength of eight acid attack survivors, who travelled over from Bangladesh to speak out against violence against women and girls. Watch our full livestream of the show below and read on to learn more about the survivors' stories.

Last night, 16-year-old Girlguide, Caitlin, met 14-year-old acid attack survivor Sonali, after ActionAid's Survivors' Runway fashion show. This special event was to stand in solidarity with survivors to end all forms of violence against women and girls. Watch the two teenagers reflect on the show and share their messages to girls in the UK for International Day of the Girl.

Acid attacks disproportionately affect women. Sonali, NurunNahar and Jasmen have all been attacked with acid – a traumatising experience leaving them with severe physical and emotional scars. They have not let their suffering silence them though. Through support from the Acid Survivors’ Network set up by ActionAid Bangladesh, they have helped one another integrate back into society and speak out.

Acid attacks disproportionately affect women. Find out why, and how ActionAid supports survivors.