I took this photo on World
Women’s Day, 8 March 2004. It shows survivors of acid attacks. Such attacks are still made against women who are accused of violating social codes. Here they are staging an ‘awareness drama’. Amra aar eka noi (‘We Are Not Alone’) was written and performed by survivors. Their dreams have been shattered, their faces and bodies charred by a liquid fire – acid. But their indomitable courage and will-power to rebuild their lives and move forward is strengthened by everyone telling them they are not alone. All the performers use masks, but at the end of the drama they take the masks from their faces and introduce themselves to the audience. They are so emotional. I took the photo to show this emotion, which I think is very difficult to describe unless you have felt it yourself.

Abir Abdullah
Bangladesh
By arrangement with
Drik Picture Library Ltd,
www.drik.net

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