W/ro Ayantu Mustefa resides in Kombolcha Woreda, Kebelle 02, in the East Hararghe Zone.
• She got married to her husband, Ato Arif Ali, in 2008.
• Over the past 8 years of their marriage, they have had 2 sons.
On January 15, 2016, in an unexpected incident, she was attacked with acid by her own husband and father of her children, resulting in severe injuries. She also lost one of her eyes.
Despite recurring disagreements with her husband, she never anticipated such an act.
W/ro Ayantu Mustefa said:
“On that day (January 15, 2016), after finishing work, I took my children to our home from my relatives’. We had our dinner together. Since I was very tired, I laid my children to my left and right and went to sleep.
Nothing bad was discussed that day. Around 9:30 PM, he poured acid over my back while I was sleeping.
I woke up feeling my back burning and screamed! As I tried to grab his hand, saying ‘My back is burning!’, he poured more acid into my eye.
I covered my eye trying to open the door, and then he poured the remaining acid on my thigh.
I had been enduring his jealousy for a long time. Thinking it would get better, I stayed with him, and we had 2 children in this relationship.
Even though he had been abusive before, I never thought he would go to such an extent.”
According to Haramaya Lifeline Hospital, the burns Ayantu suffered are classified as third-degree burns. The acid attack affected her eye, back, face, chest, and hand.
Due to the acid burn, she has completely lost vision in her right eye. However, there is a possibility of saving her left eye through medical treatment.