Eight Bangladeshi acid attack survivors walked and danced down a runway at the Survivors’ Runway fashion show in London on October 10.
The event featured Bangladeshi women who survived violent attacks and have been left scarred by disgruntled admirers and family members.
ActionAid UK organised an event described as “a show with a difference” - a part of its worldwide campaign to tackle violence and discrimination against women and girls.
The aim of the event was to represent the resilience, courage and spirit of the survivors who stood strong against gender-based violence.
Supermodel and former UN Ambassador Bibi Russell has designed the colourful attire for inspirational survivors who have performed in front of fashion icons and distinguished guests.
Among the performers, 15-year-old Sonali became a victim of an acid attack when she was 17 days old. A stranger threw acid into her family home which damaged her skull.
Sonali wanted to quit school at a certain point in her life because she was being hounded by bullies, but persevered.
The London Evening Standard reported that ActionAid stood behind the victim and encouraged her to stay in school.
The performers celebrated women's rights, where they were able to stand up tall and not be defined by stigma.
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