19-Year old Reshma Qureshi, an Acid-attack survivor walked the ramp at New York Fashion week, which was a life-changing experience for her. She was invited was invited to take part in Fashion Week by FTL Moda Reshma, – the company which last year invited Australian model Madeline Stuart, who has Down Syndrome, to take part.Reshma is also an ambassador for #EndAcidSale.
Ms Qureshi brushed off nerves to stride the runway like a pro in a cream and floral floor-length gown by Indian designer Archana Kochhar on Thursday, the first official day of New York Fashion Week.
Acid attacks have become common in South-East Asia, Africa, West Indies and Middle East with women and minor girls being primarily targeted for refusing advances of male suitors, which leaves scars – physically, psychologically and emotionally. Not to mention permanent disfiguration of the face.
Reshma, was attacked by her brother-in-law in 2004, and pinned down by his friends, her face doused in acid- she has now become the face of a campaign to end the open sale of acid in India.
By: Archa Dave
