In a remote village in the first district of Kohistan, located in Afghanistan’s Kapisa province, lives a remarkable young girl named Zahra. At 19, Zahra, who shares her home with a family of eight, has defied the odds to pursue her passion for painting.
Despite a physical disability, Zahra uses her mouth and fingers to create stunning artwork. Having completed her education a few years ago, she has nurtured a love for painting since childhood, refusing to let her challenges stand in the way of her creative dreams.
Zahra, who has big dreams, adds that through her art, she expresses her unspoken thoughts and emotions. “I have been painting for ten years as an amateur, but I lack the resources to create more paintings,” she says.
Zahra has always tried to depict her dreams and the beauty of her school days, even with the limitations of a wheelchair. She paints about the joy of being with her friends and teachers. Zahra shares that her disability often motivates her to pursue her dreams, and she does not see it as a weakness.
Saddened by the closure of universities for girls, she says, “I felt life became harder. Sometimes, I feel more lonely, but painting helps me change my mood.”
This young artist expresses her desire to learn painting professionally and hopes to showcase her work at national and international exhibitions.
Zahra’s father, Mohammad Alam, says that due to financial constraints, he cannot provide his daughter with the opportunity for higher education or professional art training.
He adds, “No organization has helped us. Our request from both local and international institutions is to support Zahra in fulfilling her dreams.”
Officials from the Kapisa Directorate of Information and Culture say that they are working to support Zahra and other girls with disabilities in the region.
