The aftermath of the rape in India

I didn't see the programme about the acid attacks, I am glad I didn't, but I have read about them. Yes it's bloody awful how women are treated in many different cultures. As far as fighting prejudices are concerned, I'm afraid mine continue to resurface every time there is another awful court case in our own country like the one going on at the moment, More depressing details about vulnerable young girls, one I believe who was only 11 being groomed by Asian men. Horrible, horrible case where extreme violence was used against these adolescents, including a forced abortion by one of the men on a girl who allegedly was no older than 12 at the time. The way females are regarded in some cultures as worthless and disposable just mere commodities to be bartered and traded makes my blood boil.

The Saving Face programme was tough viewing in places, but also inspirational, not only because of the work that the surgeon did, but also the way that the women were supporting each other and striving for change. A major step forward was that Parliament approved a bill giving life sentences for men that were convicted.

The attitude of some of the men though was unbelievable, with one saying that 99% of the women in the specialist burns unit had done it to themselves!

I was particularly sickened by one case, the husband had thrown the acid, his sister had thrown petrol over the victim and the mother in-law set the petrol alight! The victim then had to "make up" with the family as she was unable to live away from them and support her children.

I think the most upsetting thing for me was the way the victims were treated by strangers on the street. I have seen other programmes about children in the sub-continent with various disabilities, and many said they were stoned or spat at in the street. I know that women who are left with fistulas after genital mutilation are often forced to live alone outside their village. Will education of women help to change these cultures (if they are allowed it, of course)?
The surgeon was a Pakistani and was ashamed of his own culture.
I agree that the fear of being labelled racist almost certainly prevented police and social services carrying out proper investigations into the abuse of girls. At least teachers are now starting to report 'missing' girls who have been sent to Pakistan, etc. for forced marriages.