KATHMANDU: Rights activist Muskan Khatun has won the prestigious International Women of Courage (IWOC) Award for her work to end acid attacks.

The United States Embassy in Nepal has announced that she will be awarded the IWOC Award.

First Lady of the United States Jill Biden and Secretary of State Tony Blinken will host a virtual event on March 8.

Now in its 15th year, the IWOC Award recognizes women around the globe who have demonstrated exceptional courage and leadership in advocating for peace, justice, human rights, gender equality, and women’s empowerment, often at great personal risk and sacrifice, a statement issued by the Embassy said.

Previous winners include Malala Yousafzai, the youngest Nobel laureate, for her advocacy work for women and girls in Pakistan.

Muskan became the victim of an acid attack for rejecting a boy’s advances in 2019, at the age of 15.

She suffered severe burns on her face, chest, and hands. Her recovery was painful and continues to this day.

The US Embassy said it is proud to support her and promote the advancement of women’s and girls’ rights in Nepal.