Members of the England Women's cricket team visited the Acid Survivors Foundation (ASF) in Dhaka today to see how UK aid has helped thousands of women and children who have been disfigured in acid attacks.
Around 3,000 victims of these horrific attacks have been given treatment and support over the past decade, thanks to funding from the UK Department for International Development (DFID).
Taking a break from their ICC Women's World Twenty20 training schedule, the players met with survivors and heard their stories. They also spoke to doctors and medical staff about the issue of violence against women in Bangladesh and how it can often be linked to practices like early, forced marriage.
Speaking after the visit today, England Women's opening batter Heather Knight said: "Today's visit to the Acid Survivors Foundation hospital in Dhaka has been thought-provoking and humbling. The women and children that we met are truly inspirational. The courage that they demonstrate on a daily basis is certainly something that we can all learn from.
"The work of the ASF in providing support to thousands of women and children who have been the victims of these horrific attacks is exceptional, and demonstrates the real impact UK aid can have overseas. It is through initiatives and programmes like this that the status of women in society will continue to grow across the world, and I unreservedly support everything that they do."
ECB Chief Executive David Collier added: "I'm really pleased that members of the England women's team have had the opportunity to visit the Acid Survivors Foundation hospital today. This is a superb programme, which has made a significant difference in reducing the number of acid attacks across Bangladesh in recent years.
"When the England men's team visited the ASF hospital back in 2010, Paul Collingwood was so moved by what he saw that he subsequently became a patron of the charity. I'm sure it was a similarly emotive experience for the players today.
"The England women's team are role models for women and girls around the world, and I hope that the visit, which was organised in conjunction with the Department for International Development, has brought some joy to those less fortunate than us."
International Development Secretary Justine Greening said: "Acid attacks are among the most vicious and damaging forms of violence against women in the world. That is why Britain is supporting the work of the Acid Survivors Foundation, which helps victims and reduces attacks.
"It is great that England Women's cricket team is raising awareness of this and acting as role models who support work that makes a real difference. I wish our team all the very best in their bid for the ICC Women's World Twenty20 trophy."
Greening and members of the England Women's team also attended a reception to celebrate inspirational women at 10 Downing Street earlier this month to help mark International Women's Day. Captain Charlotte Edwards and Knight met with Prime Minister David Cameron as he announced a summit in July focused on women's empowerment, and especially tackling early, forced marriage - a major issue for women in Bangladesh.
The ECB has a history of supporting the ASF, with the England men's side first visiting in 2010 during their tour to Bangladesh and again in 2011 ahead of the ICC World Cup.
Collingwood, who was part of both teams and is a patron of the charity, said: "The ASF does an outstanding job in helping the survivors regain their dignity and begin to take control of their lives after some truly horrific experiences.
"I have been privileged enough to visit the hospital on the last two occasions I have toured Bangladesh with England and met some incredibly brave and inspiring people and it is great to see the England Women also having the opportunity to support such a worthwhile cause."
The England Women's team will start their ICC Women's World Twenty20 campaign on Monday 24 March when they play the West Indies in Sylhet.
Team photo! England women with staff and patients at the ASF. A truly inspirational visit pic.twitter.com/mxME91Yoq7
— England Cricket (@ECB_cricket) March 19, 2014
.@Heatherknight55 meets 18 year old Julie in the ASF hospital pic.twitter.com/jv56jtNI3g
— England Cricket (@ECB_cricket) March 19, 2014
.@GunnJenny meets some of the children in the ASF hospital pic.twitter.com/XigDyqCG07
— England Cricket (@ECB_cricket) March 19, 2014
The England women's team is addressed at the Acid Survivors Foundation in Dhaka. The charity is supported by @DFID_UKpic.twitter.com/9aWrIuHVRG
— England Cricket (@ECB_cricket) March 19, 2014