There are approximately 1,000 acid attacks in India every year. Laxmi, who goes by her first name, was attacked by a scorned suitor when she was just 15. Now 26, she has become an advocate for women affected by acid attacks, and this year will model for an Indian clothing label for their ‘Face of Courage’ campaign.

“This opportunity to represent an apparel brand was a platform for me to set an example for women like me to be confident and have courage despite their physical appearances, Laxmi told the BBC. “This was also a platform for me to send a clear message to criminals that women will not lose courage even after they are attacked with acid to destroy their physical beauty.”

More info: stopacidattacks.org (h/t: bbc, mashable)

“People victimise acid attack survivors, but I think we need to come out of this mindset”

Laxmi was attacked with acid when she was 15 for not wanting to marry a man 17 years her senior

Now 26, this year she will model for an Indian clothing label in their ‘Face of Courage’ campaign

“The whole idea was to challenge the widespread judgement of women on the basis of their beauty,” Rastogi of Viva N Diva said

“I began showing my face gradually. Then other survivors saw that if I could do it, why couldn’t they?” explains Laxmi

“This opportunity to represent an apparel brand was a platform for me to set an example for women like me…”

“…to be confident and have courage despite their physical appearances”

“This was also a platform for me to send a clear message to criminals…”

“…that women will not lose courage even after they are attacked with acid to destroy their physical beauty”

Watch Laxmi in the video below:

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