The role of NGOs in support of women acid survivors in Pakistan: a comparative analysis

Abstract

This study evaluates the acid attacks survivor women of Pakistan. Therefore, a growing number of acid burn violence is like a black spot in the face of Pakistan. This study's main objective is to compare and contrast NGOs' roles and help in supporting their female victims. Hence, many NGOs in Pakistan worked in this area; however, this study only focuses on two well-known NGOs, i.e., the Acid Survivor Foundation (ASF) and the Depilex Smile Again Foundation (DSAF). It investigates how these organisations help and support female acid survivors as well as which organisations more effectively work in this regard. A qualitative method was used to analyse reports from 2006 to 2023. Secondary sources were also used. The study examined that both organisations provide them with psycho-socio, financial and legal assistance, medical treatments and shelter homes. However, DSAF is playing a more active role in supporting their victims. It sends more complicated cases of female sufferers to foreign doctors for their successful surgeries. Moreover, it empowers female victims through education, provides professional training, offers jobs and sends able female victims to foreign countries to highlight their abilities. It also spends a heavy expenditure on their weddings.