ReSurge is honored to have arranged the inspiring first-time meeting of two incredible women acid attack survivors, Muskan Khatun, a ReSurge patient and human rights activist from Nepal, and Natalia Ponce de Léon, an activist from Colombia.
Despite coming from different corners of the world, Natalia and Muskan share remarkably similar experiences. On March 27, 2014, Natalia was the victim of a brutal acid attack by a man who threw sulfuric acid at her after she rejected his advances, severely burning 24% of her body. Halfway across the world in Nepal, Muskan endured an acid attack at age 14 by a boy in her hometown of Birganj. She suffered severe burns to her face, chest, and hands.
Both women have since channeled their tragic experiences into powerful advocacy, becoming leading voices in their countries and receiving international recognition for their respective work advocating for the rights of women and acid attack survivors while pushing for significant changes in laws and societal attitudes. Natalia received the U. S. Secretary of State’s International Women of Courage Award in 2017, and Muskan received the same honor in 2021.
In ReSurge’s mission to provide free reconstructive surgeries worldwide, we often encounter intentional burn injuries such as acid attacks, a tragic issue that predominantly affects women. Yet, in the face of hurt, we continually find hope.
Believing in the power of mentorship and mutual support, ReSurge arranged for these two advocates to meet face-to-face for the first time in early June. This collaboration aimed to empower 18-year-old Muskan with Natalia as a mentor –– while amplifying their voices in the global movement against gender-based violence. The occasion garnered appraisal and support from the U.S. Embassy in Nepal alongside a front-page feature in the news outlet The Rising Nepal. Help us address the gendered outcomes of burn care by giving a gift today.
Who is Natalia Ponce De Léon?
Natalia Ponce de León is a Colombian survivor of a 2014 chemical attack and has dedicated her life to championing the rights of chemical attack victims. She established the Natalia Ponce de León Foundation in 2015 and played a pivotal role in creating the Natalia Ponce de León Law in 2016, increasing penalties for chemical attacks. Natalia’s impactful contributions earned her recognition as one of the Best Leaders in 2016 and the “Outlook Inspirations” award from the BBC. In 2017, she received the “Women of Courage” award from the First Lady of the United States, solidifying her status as a beacon of bravery and resilience.
Natalia’s Journey with ReSurge
ReSurge International had the honor of featuring Natalia as a speaker at the 68th United Nations Commission on the Status of Women in partnership with Physicians for Peace and the G4 Alliance, where we hosted a panel event entitled “Girls on Fire: The Gendered Outcomes of Burn Injuries.” Our session focused on the prevalence of burn injuries — a global health issue that disproportionately affects women and girls.
At the event, Natalia shared her story, bringing a patient-first perspective and the real-life experiences of an acid attack survivor to the panel. The successful event birthed a partnership between Natalia and ReSurge in the ongoing fight to address the global disparities and needs confronting women acid attack survivors worldwide.
Muskan Khatun: A ReSurge Patient
Muskan Khatun has been instrumental in bringing about new legislation criminalizing acid attacks and imposing strong penalties against perpetrators in Nepal. When Muskan was 14, she was critically injured in an acid attack after she rejected a boy’s romantic propositions. Muskan was introduced to ReSurge as a patient at The Nepal Cleft and Burn Center at Kirtipur Hospital in Kathmandu, under the leadership of ReSurge Nepal Country Director and lead reconstructive surgeon, Dr. Shankar Man Rai.
Her journey did not end with the abuse she confronted. With the help of a social worker, Muskan lobbied for stronger legal action against the perpetrators of acid attacks under duress of threats and the strong social stigma associated with acid attack victims. She went before a parliamentary committee, wrote a letter to the Prime Minister of Nepal, and eventually met with him in person to request a stronger law. Within a year of her attack, the President of Nepal issued an ordinance with harsh penalties for acid attacks and regulations on the sale of acids, a testament to the significance of her advocacy.
The meeting between these heroic women marked a significant milestone and partnership in ReSurge’s continuous efforts to address the gendered outcomes of burn injuries. The two bonded with each other over their stories, experiences, and advocacy work, exploring what it means to be a woman burn survivor advocating for the rights of women burn victims and survivors like themselves.
Moreover, this is just the beginning. When two iconic burn survivors, activists, and International Woman of Courage Award winners from different walks of life come together, know that they are on the verge of a synergy so powerful. ReSurge, with the support of partners such as the U.S. Embassy, is committed to amplifying their voices in the global movement against gender-based violence.
Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to lead the conversation and address the gendered outcomes of burn injuries.
