Maryam Ashraf

Maryam Ashraf, a young lady is presently living in Lahore. She got married at a very young age. After a year she was blessed by a baby boy. She was often ill-treated by her in-laws for not bringing enough dowry. They often threatened to throw her son from the rooftop. One day when Maryam was alone at home and her husband was at work, her mother in law supported by her father in law locked Maryam in the room. They sprinkled kerosene oil and lit fire. Her neck and shoulders were severely burnt in this tragic incidence. Maryam was rushed to the hospital by the neighbours. Later, Maryam’s husband called her parents and lied that their daughter was accidentally burnt from a gas cylinder blast. When Maryam became conscious, she told her parents the brutal reality. She wanted to report the case to the police but was pressurized by her husband and in-laws to hold back the F.I.R.

She got registered with DSF in 2015 and has gone through multiple surgeries since then. Alongside, psychosocial support sessions were arranged for her to regain self-confidence. In order to put her back on her feet, DSF arranged for her to complete a beautician training course. For long term sustainability, DSF is also working to set up a small beauty salon at her home so that she can earn a livelihood.