Acid attack survivor and activist, Laxmi has become the face of a new fashion campaign in India called “Face of Courage,” which challenges social perceptions of physical beauty and attractiveness.
Over a decade ago, Laxmi (who only goes by her first name) was attacked by an older man and his friend, who poured acid on her face and arms after she refused his marriage proposal. She was just 15. The perpetrators were eventually imprisoned, but Laxmi had to undergo expensive medical treatment and several surgeries.
Now 26, she has become an advocate for women affected by acid attacks, a widespread form of gendered violence in India. Her public interest litigation led to a major judgement in 2013, when the Supreme Court ordered restrictions on the sale of acids and higher compensation for victims Read more…
