The Story of: Muskan Khatun

Muskan Khatun,

2021 International Woman of Courage Award Winner and

Acid Attack Survivor

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. Her story is one of survival and triumph, but it also underscores a harsh reality: not every survivor of acid violence has access to justice, medical care, or the opportunity to rebuild their lives.

Muskan’s story is a beacon of hope and a stark reminder of the work still needed to protect those at risk and support those already harmed. By shining a light on her journey, we can amplify her message and continue advocating for the systemic changes necessary to end acid violence.

At the age of 15, Muskan Khatun was brutally attacked by a group of boys from her school who threw a jug of acid on her face, hands, and chest after she rejected a romantic proposition. The ensuing years were filled with both pain and healing at Kirtipur Hospital under the care of local ReSurge surgeons. With the support of her doctors and family, Muskan decided that she would not be ashamed, she would not let her attacker win, and she would not stand idle when such violence happened to others. 

Muskan has been instrumental in bringing about new legislation criminalizing acid attacks and imposing strong penalties against perpetrators in Nepal. With the help of a social worker, she 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 Nepal’s Prime Minister, and eventually met with him in person, to request a stronger law. Within a year of her attack, Nepal’s President issued an ordinance with harsh penalties for acid attacks and regulations on the sale of acids, a testament to Muskan’s significant advocacy. In 2021, Muskan was awarded the International Woman of Courage Award and is currently applying to colleges to pursue her dreams of becoming a human rights lawyer.

Muskan Khatun’s journey from survivor to advocate is a powerful testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the profound impact one voice can have. Her courage has inspired legal reforms in Nepal, but her story also highlights the countless survivors whose voices remain unheard and whose needs go unmet.

For healthcare workers, policymakers, and advocates, Muskan’s achievements serve as a reminder that change is possible, but only if we commit to creating systems that prevent such violence and provide comprehensive support for survivors. Muskan’s fight for justice is far from over, and it is a call to action for all of us to join the effort to end acid violence and uphold the dignity and rights of every survivor.