In this episode Sophia discusses Samira Kitman. She is a student journalist with us on a placement organised by the Oxford University Career Services. This article was edited using You.com.
🎧 listen to Sophia's backstory here - she discusses her motivation & research as well.
Sophia also wrote a short 2 min read article about Samina with a summary inforgraphic.
As a child, Samira Kitman was repeatedly told that her dreams were unrealistic in Afghanistan. They were of traveling, becoming famous, and speaking at important conferences. . But, Kitman defied all odds and turned her aspirations into reality. Through her deep passion for calligraphy and miniatures she realised her dreams.
Born in Afghanistan in 1984. Kitman spent a significant part of her childhood in Pakistan. Returning to Kabul in 2002, just two years after the fall of the city. In 2007, she joined the Turquoise Mountain Foundation. An NGO in Afghanistan that promotes creativity and artistry. Initially, she faced six months of struggle. Mainly due to societal doubts about the viability of art as a career, particularly for women. Yet, as she honed her skills, Kitman gained national recognition for her work. Alongside fifteen other female artists. She was commissioned to create all the artwork in the Anjum Hotel in Mecca, with a total cost of £175,000. This achievement named her as Afghanistan's Businesswoman of the Year in 2015. Additionally, Kitman used her platform to establish the Maftah-e-Hunar Arts foundation. Her artwork has been exhibited at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London. She was personally admired by King Charles.
Kitman's story is truly inspiring. After fleeing Afghanistan in 2016 and seeking asylum in the UK, she managed to build a new life for herself. Her resilience is unmatched. Even after enduring periods of intense terror and fear for her safety. It is evident her artwork reflects her experiences and resonates with people. She continues to pursue dreams that were once considered unworthy of pursuit. Kitman's journey serves as a powerful reminder to women worldwide that anything is possible.
Thank you for reading a A4R 🎨 Post. Don’t forget to visit our gifts shop here. Every purchase scales our impact and pays our bills.
