Act against burn violence

Kathmandu, Dec 6 : Burns Violence Survivors Nepal (BVS-Nepal) organized an event, ‘Let’s Unite Now to End Acid and Burns Violence against Women’, a reception held at 1905, Kantipath.

Aiming at spreading awareness about burn violence against women, the event started with an introduction to BVS and a documentary about young girls and women suffering from burn violence.

The events of the evening included a play on burn violence against women by the youth of the Youth Information Center, Jharuwarasi; poem performances by Actor/Director Elum Dixit, The Word Warriors – including Yanik Shrestha, Yukta Bajracharya, Ujwalla Maharjan and Gaurav Subba and Nepali poet, Manjul.

“I feel very proud of myself to be able to perform in front of all these people and send out a much-needed social message to all these people,” says Dipendra Prasad Dhakal, an actor from Jharuwarashi.

“There are many different types of people here and reaching out to all these people, makes me feel proud of myself. If only I could spread the message throughout Nepal,” he adds.

An awe-inspiring performance by Nepali Folk-Rock band, Kutumba was also one of the highlights of the evening.

Students from Adarsha Vidya Mandir(AVM), also stood together on stage to speak against the injustice that is burn violence.

The event also featured performances by the B-Boyz and B-Girlz of the Nepal Break-dance Foundation.

“We need to reach out to the young people of our country, people who can support organizations like these and learn and be aware enough not to commit violence against women,” added Eelum.

Towards the end of the event, YouTube star Nattu Shah performed some of her famous tunes and the event ended with a candle-lighting ceremony to spark the end to burn violence against women.

Click here to enjoy the videos.

London to Paris bike ride

It's not everyday one cycle from London to Paris. But that's exactly what Alison Marston and other keen cyclists from 60 different charities did to raise funds over three and a half days. They managed an astonishing £160,000 in total.

Alison herself raised £2000 (Rs 224,859) from friends and relatives supporting her sponsored bike ride. The donations went to Burns Violence Survivor Nepal (BVS-Nepal) and will be used for the care of burn patients in Bir Hospital and other government hospitals.

"It got extremely tiresome at times," Alison confesses. "I thought only Nepal had hills, apparently England does too." But the spirit of her friends back in Bir Hospital kept her going.

Alison has been working for the Burns Unit in Bir Hospital since 2001. Patients from all over the country throng the unit for its exceptionally inexpensive treatment. "It's generally marginalized people, mostly women, who come," Alison explains, adding that there are many cases of attempted suicide or domestic violence. Had it not been for the services Bir Hospital provides, the dressing, nursing and medication required to treat burns would have been prohibitively expensive for these patients. Also, the hospital provides the patients with protein-rich meals free of cost. The people who come here are usually so poor the entire family shares the free meal.

BVS-Nepal Launch

United Kingdom - October, 2010.

Acid Survivors Trust International (ASTI) announced the launch of ASTI’s partner charity Burn Violence Survivors – Nepal (BVS-Nepal). The event took place on the 6th October at the Embassy of Nepal in London, UK. Her Royal Highness princess Anne, ASTI’s Patron, attended the event and addressed the guests briefly about her dedication to the cause. The evening was by his Excellency Dr Suresh Chandra Chalise, Nepalese Ambassador to the UK. The guests also included high commissioners from Bangladesh and Pakistan, representatives from Nepalese organisations, major international organisations, charitable foundations and social advocacy groups. Trustees, staff and friends of ASTI also attended the event.

ASTI and the Acid Survivor Foundation community has worked tirelessly for 10 years to stop acid violence, treat injuries and rebuild the lives of burns violence survivors.

BVS-Nepal is an organization that provides medical assistance to the most vulnerable burn patients with a special attention towards burn violence survivors. Funded by a UK- based ASTI, it was established in 2008. Attacks with kerosene and acid, as well as burn- related suicide, often stemming from domestic violence, are issues which are addressed by the organization.

The launch of BVS-Nepal aimed at raising the awareness of the occurrences and issues of burn related violence throughout the world and raise money to support burn survivors and aid the prevention of burn violence in Nepal.