Afghan artist defies all odds - 6th March 2020

Unable to use her hands, arms or legs Afghan artist Robaba Mohammadi is defying the odds in a country that routinely discriminates against women and disabled people.

Denied access to education as a child, she taught herself to paint by holding a brush in her mouth. Now 19, Mohammadi creates elaborate and vibrant portraits that she sells and exhibits internationally.

Although a recent survey showed 1.5 million people in Afghanistan suffer from some kind of disability, they receive little support and are instead stigmatised. In answer to this Mohammadi has also launched a centre to train other disabled artists.

Born with a permanent physical disability that meant she couldn’t use her limbs, she was prevented from attending school but taught herself to read and write as well as paint. Now she also uses social media by typing with her tongue and like many teenagers enjoys putting on makeup with her friends.