Burn violence survivors face a harsh reality: the healthcare systems meant to save them often fall devastatingly short. Women and girls, who make up the majority of burn violence victims, require life-saving surgeries, long-term rehabilitation, and mental health support—services that remain out of reach in many low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Addressing this crisis requires strengthening local healthcare systems, not replacing them with temporary foreign interventions.

Burn violence is a hidden epidemic that underscores the systemic inequalities women and girls face worldwide. While violence against women takes many forms, burn violence—whether through acid attacks or intentional burns—remains one of the least reported and most misunderstood forms of gender-based violence. Globally, an estimated 10,000 intentional acid burn attacks occur annually, with women accounting for 80% of victims. Yet, nearly 40% of these cases remain unreported, silencing survivors and obscuring the true scale of this crisis.

Through her tireless efforts, Natalia has reshaped Colombia’s response to chemical attacks. Her advocacy led to the landmark “Natalia Ponce de León Law,” which imposes stricter penalties on perpetrators and ensures crucial protections for survivors. Her foundation continues to provide essential support, giving survivors a voice and a path to recovery while fostering a broader cultural shift towards accountability and prevention.

Jenny Khadka’s life is a testament to resilience and transformation in the face of unimaginable adversity. Her journey from survivor to burn counselor exemplifies the strength of the human spirit and the power of compassion to heal. At ReSurge International’s hospital in Kathmandu, Jenny now dedicates herself to supporting others who have endured the trauma of acid attacks and burns. Her work is not just about recovery—it’s about helping survivors rediscover hope and reclaim their futures.

At just 15 years old, Muskan Khatun’s life changed forever when she was attacked with acid by a group of boys after rejecting a romantic proposal. This horrific act, meant to silence and shame her, instead ignited a remarkable journey of resilience and advocacy. Muskan’s courage not only helped her heal but also inspired systemic change in Nepal, where her efforts led to stronger legislation against acid attacks.

Gender-based violence (GBV) affects millions of women and girls worldwide, yet the full extent of its impact remains obscured by a glaring lack of reliable data. This data gap makes it nearly impossible to design effective policies, allocate resources, and implement programs that address the crisis comprehensively. Without accurate information, many survivors—especially those affected by forms of violence like burn injuries—are left invisible and unsupported.

Burn-related attacks are particularly brutal and understudied, targeting women disproportionately and leaving survivors with lasting physical and emotional scars. Legal frameworks play a pivotal role in addressing these injustices, yet gaps in legislation and enforcement continue to hinder global efforts.

Every ten minutes, somewhere in the world, a woman is killed as a result of violence. Intentional burns, including acid attacks, are a devastating weapon of control and punishment, used overwhelmingly against women.

Rebecca Cheptegei, a 33-year-old Ugandan Olympic marathon runner, tragically lost her life after suffering severe burns in an attack by her former boyfriend. In September 2024, she was doused with petrol and set on fire outside her home in Kenya following a dispute.