A smiling Reshma Quereshi, 19, opened the FTL Moda show on Thursday in NY to applause in a long-sleeve, white gown with embroidered appliques by Indian designer Archana Kochhar during her first trip to the United States. She was felicitated by US First Lady Michelle Obama after winning the International Women of Courage Award for successfully leading the campaign against acid attacks on women in India in 2014. “When I became part of the group I got a lot of support, encouragement and confidence to get back up”, she says.
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Increasing diversity on the catwalk has been an aim of FTL Moda.
Roughly 1,500 acid attacks are reported each year.
Shah said limiting the sale of acid, punishments for attackers, and compensation and care for survivors, are needed. “The ramp walk – organised by GMSP Foundation London – was for raising awareness about violence against women”, said Vasini Sharma, a member of the Stop Acid Attack campaign and an official at the Sheroes Hangout in Lucknow.
19-year-old Reshma Bano Qureshi has made headlines globally after this acid attack survivor walked the ramp at the high profile New York Fashion Week.
India has the highest number of recorded attacks, which are often a form of revenge by jilted husbands or rejected suitors.
But the more survivors like Reshma refuse to stay silent, they give other victims hope for a prosperous and confident future.
Reshma Quereshi preparing for her appearance at NYFW.
“Victims coming forward are defying the perpetrators of the attacks”, he added.
‘After the acid attack happened to me, I never thought in my wildest dreams that something like this could happen to me, ‘ she said.
Ms Qureshi credits the group “Make Love Not Scars” for helping her out during those tough times.
“I want to tell the world – do not see us in a weak light and see that even we can go out and do things”.
“This walk was important to me because there are so many girls like me who are survivors of acid attacks, and this will give them courage”, Quereshi said in an interview, speaking through a translator.
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“I think this is a powerful tool”, said FTL Moda founder Ilaria Niccolini.
