HUM celebrates International Women’s Day with Smile Again Foundation

Every March 8, the world celebrates Women’s Day to acknowledge and celebrate the achievements of women. This year, HUM Network, in their efforts to support them, as well as to motivate those facing myriad challenges in their lives, organised a visit to Depilex Bahadurabad to pay tribute to, as well as dedicate the day to the acid attack victims associated with the Smile Again Foundation, established by the renowned make-up artist Massarat Misbah.

MIsbah set up the Smile Again Foundation in 2005 to support burn victims, particularly survivors of acid attacks, with reconstructive surgery, counselling, vocational training and jobs in her salons.

It was heartening to see the visitors being welcomed by Misbah. The salon’s lawn was beautifully decorated with flowers, and lined with stalls set up by acid attack victims (about 30-35 women) on which were displaying their handmade crafts, such as purses, bangles, shoes and jewellery. Among these women were some nail and mehndi artists as well offering their services. On the other end, a small stage was set up for guests, including Sultana Siddiqui and seating arrangement for visitors.

In her message, President, HUM Network said it brought her great joy and pride to see so many brave women attending the event, as well as those who had come to encourage them. She asked all attendees to be grateful for the life God had given to them, for the fact that they were created as complete human beings, with legs to walk on, hands to work with, and tongues to express themselves and motivate and influence others.

Commending the acid attack victims, she said these women are exemplary as they are endowed with so many talents. “Most of all, they are brave and resilient. They prove to us that no matter what life has thrown at them, no matter what atrocities they have faced in life, hope has never left them. I pray that God gives you all the happiness you deserve and grant you success in your endeavours and you set examples for others to follow.”

She further expressed her gratitude to Misbah, the Smile Again Foundation and other similar organisations who were doing us, our community and country a favour by initiating such projects and helping these victims stand on their feet, become self-reliant and earn their livelihoods.

Misbah, in her speech lauded the victims for their resilience, hard work and talent. She said currently there were over 800 acid attack victims working in her organisation, who have been burned by either acid or kerosene oil, for various reasons.

“They are beautiful women who we are appreciated here and who act as mentors for others. They have become beauticians and earned certifications in embroidery, handcrafts, nail art and designs – little things that have helped them earn money and lead them towards self-reliance. Their life experiences have made them strong and they can inculcate this strength into their children as well as other victims.”

She also thanked Ahmer – one of the victims who had lost his sight, and who is the brand ambassador of the foundation, saying, “He gives us strength. He is strong and because of him, we are too.”

She said though the foundation organises events on and off, this Women’s Day event has been by far one of the most exciting one and she thanked Sultana Siddiqui her contribution and in helping the girls smile again.

During the event, all attendees also collectively sang the National Anthem, led by Ms Sultana Siddiqui, President, HUM Network Limited.

Acid and kerosene oil burning is a gender-specific crime. Young girls and women between the ages of 14-25 are the common victims. These attacks often happen because women are perceived to be shunning gender traditions, by refusing a marriage proposal, giving birth to girls, suspected infidelity and non-cooperation among families.