Acid attacks and violence against women facts in 2012

Statistics on violence against women make for a depressing read in Pakistan and this year is no exception. Though a report by the Aurat Foundation states the reported cases of violence against women in 2012 saw a drop of 12 per cent from the previous year, cases of acid attacks saw a whopping increase of 89 per cent in the same period. This is a horrific figure made gloomier by the realization that this all happened despite the passing in 2011 of two laws deemed pro-women: The Acid Control and Acid Crime Prevention Bill and The Prevention of Anti-Women Practices Bill. Laws are supposed to act as deterrents to crime and while one cannot expect them to immediately arrest heinous acts overnight, a spike of 89 per cent in a year is rather extraordinary. Perhaps, it explains why a group of nine MPAs from the ruling coalition presented a bill last month calling for the death penalty for those found guilty of carrying out acid attacks. They also asked that investigation of an acid attack be completed within a fortnight of a case being filed and a trial be conducted in a week, adding that if the investigating officer is found negligent, he be fined or punished for two years. That lawmakers would consider something as drastic as capital punishment, perhaps, indicates their level of frustration at being unable to find a way to tackle this crime that has placed Pakistan as one of the nations with the highest incidents of acid attacks in the world — with an Oscar for a documentary on the subject to prove it.

Perhaps where the frustration lies is in societal attitudes, nay obsession, towards honour. An acid attack on a woman is most often linked to her honour, or lack thereof, and almost always destroys her life. Those who work in rehabilitating the lives of survivors truly deserve accolades. However, laws alone cannot bring about change. Gender equality must be inculcated from an early age and tolerance for all views trumpeted, for that can serve as a powerful deterrent.

Source: http://tribune.com.pk/story/499388/preventing-acid-attacks-2/

http://www.depilexsmileagain.com

Acid attacks and violence against women facts in 2012

Statistics on violence against women make for a depressing read in Pakistan and this year is no exception. Though a report by the Aurat Foundation states the reported cases of violence against women in 2012 saw a drop of 12 per cent from the previous year, cases of acid attacks saw a whopping increase of 89 per cent in the same period. This is a horrific figure made gloomier by the realization that this all happened despite the passing in 2011 of two laws deemed pro-women: The Acid Control and Acid Crime Prevention Bill and The Prevention of Anti-Women Practices Bill. Laws are supposed to act as deterrents to crime and while one cannot expect them to immediately arrest heinous acts overnight, a spike of 89 per cent in a year is rather extraordinary. Perhaps, it explains why a group of nine MPAs from the ruling coalition presented a bill last month calling for the death penalty for those found guilty of carrying out acid attacks. They also asked that investigation of an acid attack be completed within a fortnight of a case being filed and a trial be conducted in a week, adding that if the investigating officer is found negligent, he be fined or punished for two years. That lawmakers would consider something as drastic as capital punishment, perhaps, indicates their level of frustration at being unable to find a way to tackle this crime that has placed Pakistan as one of the nations with the highest incidents of acid attacks in the world — with an Oscar for a documentary on the subject to prove it.

Perhaps where the frustration lies is in societal attitudes, nay obsession, towards honour. An acid attack on a woman is most often linked to her honour, or lack thereof, and almost always destroys her life. Those who work in rehabilitating the lives of survivors truly deserve accolades. However, laws alone cannot bring about change. Gender equality must be inculcated from an early age and tolerance for all views trumpeted, for that can serve as a powerful deterrent.

Source: http://tribune.com.pk/story/499388/preventing-acid-attacks-2/

http://www.depilexsmileagain.com

Hazrat Khadija Tul Kubra (RA) Award for Masarrat Misbah of Depilex Smileagain

“I have got many awards but receiving the Hazrat Khadija tul Kubra Award is a real honor for me. An award with the title of a woman who was the wife of our Prophet (PBUH), whose courage, righteousness, and perfection in all relationships made her a role model for all women, and a successful business woman. This is the best way to be recognized for the humanitarian work that I have chosen to do since 2003.”

These were the words of gratitude by Masarrat Misbah who was honored by the Hazrat Khadija Tul Kubra Award in a ceremony held in Avari Hotel Lahore on 6th November 2012.

The event was organized by Pakistan Federation of Business & Professional Women (BPWO). Begum Zakia Shahnawaz, advisor to Chief Minister Punjab, was the chief guest on the occasion. Nasreen Mahdi from BPWO in her citation acknowledged the efforts of Masarrat Misbah for her humanitarian services rendered through Depilex Smileagain Foundation.

She invited the attention of the chief guest and the audience to the heinous crime of acid throwing on women and urged the government to give maximum punishment to the culprits. Begum Zakia Shahnawaz while handing over the award to Masarrat Misbah commended her contribution as an entrepreneur, a social worker and a humanitarian.

Masarrat Misbah got standing ovation by the audience when she was receiving the award.

 

 

Depilex Smileagain registers Mayo Hospital Lahore Acid Attack Victims

Ms. Rehmana, a nurse at Mayo Hospital was subjected to acid attack by her husband while she was at duty in Mayo Hospital Lahore. Her colleague, Ms. Shazia, who was also a nurse and was sitting next to Rehmana was also burnt badly.  The culprit was beaten by the locals / public inthe hospital and is in jail.

DSF team visited the burn victims and both patients are registered with Depilex Smileagain Foundation.

  

Shazia Burnt Victim

A nurse at Mayo Hospital. She was on duty with Rehmana and was sitting next to her when acid thrown.