These Pakistani Women Had To Pay Horrific Price For Turning Down Marriage Proposals

In many parts of the world, turning down a man’s marriage proposal is not easy and sometimes it comes with horrific consequences which women has to pay their whole life. The following Pakistani women were doused in acid for refusing to marry. The men who were supposed to love them for life disfigured them for life instead.

These images are part of a series by photographer Emilio Morenatti aimed at raising domestic violence awareness and giving long-silent victims a voice. Morenatti hopes not only to highlight these monstrous crimes, but also to turn survivors into heroes who inspire global change.

Kanwal Kayum, 26

This photo was taken a year after Kanwal was attacked with acid by a boy whose proposal she rejected.

Kanwal Kayum

Saira Liaqat, 26

Saira was married at 15, but was to live with her parents until she finished school. Her husband wasn’t so keen on the idea, and attacked her with acid as punishment for making him wait.

Saira Liaqat

Najaf Sultana, 16

Najaf’s father, who didn’t want another girl in the family, burnt her in her sleep. She was five years old. Unbelievable.

Najaf Sultana

Irum Saeed, 30

Irum was burned on her face, back and shoulders when she was 18 years old. A boy she rejected for marriage thew acid on her in the middle of the street.

Irum Saeed