Libyan woman shares passion for calligraphy, health awareness and art - in pictures

Majda Al Riyani is on a mission to prove there is no limit to ambition

Majda Al-Riyani, a 29-year-old Libyan woman, teaches Arabic calligraphy to young girls at a training centre in Benghazi, Libya, March 15, 2022. Picture taken March 15, 2022. REUTERS / Esam Omran Al-Fetori

Ms Riyani, left, promotes causes close to her heart, despite criticism from a conservative society.

Ms Riyani hopes to prove women should have no limits to their ambitions.

Ms Al Riyani hosts a health awareness programme on local radio station Jawak FM in Benghazi, Libya.

Ms Al Riyani also hosts calligraphy workshops. She hopes these will help women to either develop new careers or spark a passion for a new hobby.

'The circle (of people) close to me is very supportive, but criticism is sometimes disturbing for a woman who shows up in programs and interviews, and who interacts with the public,' she says.

'To co-ordinate (between different careers) is definitely a challenge,' Ms Al Riyani said. 'But if you like what you do, you will find the time and you will manage to do it.'

Ms Al Riyani paints at a studio in Benghazi, Libya.

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