The United States Embassy in Nepal is pleased to announce Muskan Khatun<\/strong> will be awarded the prestigious International Women of Courage (IWOC) Award<\/strong> for her work to end acid attacks.<\/p>\n First Lady of the United States Jill Biden and Secretary of State Tony Blinken will host a virtual event on March 8.<\/p>\n Now in its 15th year, the IWOC Award recognizes women around the globe who have demonstrated exceptional courage and leadership in advocating for peace, justice, human rights, gender equality, and women\u2019s empowerment, often at great personal risk and sacrifice.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n In 2019, at the age of 15,\u202fMuskan\u202fbecame the victim of an acid attack for rejecting a boy\u2019s advances.\u202f She suffered severe burns on her face, chest, and hands.\u202f Her recovery was painful and continues to this day.<\/p>\n Despite this, Muskan turned a tragedy into an opportunity to bring about change in Nepal. Facing threats and social pressure,\u202fMuskan\u202flobbied for stronger laws and punishments for acid attacks.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n She met with Prime Minister K.P. Oli who called for a new law to be drafted for acid attacks, and\u202fissued an ordinance punishing perpetrators and regulating the sale of chemicals.<\/p>\n Muskan\u2019s\u202fleadership was crucial in bringing about change. The U.S. Embassy in Nepal is proud to support her and promote the advancement of women\u2019s and girls\u2019 rights in Nepal.<\/p>\n