A ray of Hope-An initiative against acid violence

Recently, Sharmeen Obaid Chinoy has raised the heads of all Pakistanis with proud by winning an Oscar for her documentary movie ‘Saving faces’ that is about two brave Pakistani women from South Punjab who became victims of acid violence and their journey for justice. It used to be said that highlighting an issue is just the beginning, after which positive initiatives used be undertaken in order to eliminate that issue from the society. Saving faces has proved to be the same one. The movie has led the core issue in front of the world and now acid violence has become the topic of discussion in many shows and get-to-gathers that end up in disseminating bright solutions.

In the same way, a student oriented panel discussion plus video conference was organized by the U.S. Embassy in collaboration with the Higher Education Commission, Acid Survivors Foundation, and the Aurat Foundation on 10^th April at the Higher Education Commission’s Auditorium in Islamabad which was moderated by Dr. Marilyn Wyatt, wife of U.S. Ambassador Cameron Munter. Featuring: Sharmeen Obaid Chinoy, Dr. Marilyn Wyatt, Professor Hamid Hassan, head of the burn unit at Benazir Bhutto International Hospital in Rawalpindi, Dr Khadija Tahir, a psychotherapist who treats acid survivors, Barrister Naveed Muzaffar Khan who draft legislatures against acid violence, and Samina Naz a representative of Aurat Foundation. The discussion was not only attended by the students sitting in Islamabad but students across the country also participated in it through online streaming and many of them got a chance to watch the video conference at U.S. Consulate. My university, Jinnah University for women (JUW) was among the universities that attended the video conference at U.S. Consulate Karachi.

The conference started with the words of Sharmeen Obaid Chinoy, appreciating the bravery of women who participated in the movie and shared their stories. In Pakistan, there is a general perception that if a woman becomes victim of acid attack then it’s her mistake. We have to change this mindset and psyche of people. Moreover, we have to assure the victims, it’s not their fault; it’s the fault of the man who did such shameful act to them. To do so, we have to educate the people about the law which is in process, Sharmeen Obaid shared her views. It was an interactive discussion between experts and students, soon the introductory session was ended and question session was started in which students from different universities came up with rational questions and enlighten suggestions.

In reply to a question Dr Khadija suggested, “Initially there should be rehabilitation centers across the country. First of all, we have to give them confidence to come outside from the room and face the world”. A question related to legislature replied by Mr. Hassan, “A comprehensive legislature is a bill not a law. We will take its final to the parliament. If it is passed, it would be easy available around the country”. While guiding the students, Ms Chinoy said, “Students can work at their levels or they can help the volunteers. Above all, treat the victims as human being. There is a co-relation between literacy and acid violence so spread education” Many of the students shared suggestions like media has a great influence. It can change the mindset of people. There should be a training center to train the teenager as they are the future of Pakistan.

Such activities are a positive initiative towards the core issue as Acid attacks are increasing day by day that has taken so many lives.  Awareness is the basic need so let's aware people!