Muskan Khatun Wins 2021 International Women of Courage Award:
Muskan Khatun, who suffered an acid attack two years ago, is set to receive this year's International Women of Courage Award (IWOC). The US Embassy in Nepal will present the award on March 8, International Women's Day, according the US Embassy.
The embassy said the award was presented in recognition of Muskan's courageous efforts to end the acid attack. US First Lady Jill Biden and Secretary of State Anthony Blinken will present the award at a virtual event on March 8, according to US Ambassador to Nepal Randy Berry. The embassy is pleased that Khatun has been selected for the award.
After the announcement of the award, Muskan Khatun's family was full of congratulations on Friday. Khatun said that the media, Miss Nepal series Khatiwada, relatives, and others congratulated her. She said she was surprised to receive an international award she had never imagined. "I did some work but I didn't think I would get an international award," she told Citizen on Friday evening.
A year and a half ago, Khatun was attacked with acid by two men at 6 am on his way to school at Ganesh Chowk in Birgunj. The Khatun family, who came to Kathmandu for treatment after the attack, has been living in Kalanki. Muskan is studying in class 9 at Bright Future School in Kalanki.
After the incident, she had taken initiative with the state to amend the law, including demanding severe punishment against acid attacks. Meanwhile, Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli called on to seek suggestions for amending the law. Muskan has vowed to fight for lifelong justice for women victims of rape, violence, and acid attacks. "If there is no strict law against such violence against women, their dreams will be unfulfilled. They will have to suffer from acid attacks and rape," she said.
This is the 15th edition of Muskan. The award is often given in recognition of women around the world who have shown extraordinary courage and leadership in sacrificing great personal risks and advocating for peace, justice, human rights, gender equality, and women's empowerment. Earlier, Malala, a 15-year-old girl from Pakistan, was given the award. The award was given for her advocacy for the education and rights of Pakistani women and girls.
