Against the odds: How Ayesha turned disability into strength — Pajhwok

KABUL (Pajhwok): Ayesha Quraishi has lived with a disability since childhood, but with the support of her family and her own determination, her physical limitations have not prevented her from pursuing education and personal development. She now works for the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and hopes to do more to support people with disabilities. In this report, Pajhwok Afghan News introduces Ayesha Quraishi, a young woman who has overcome the challenges associated with her disability and has become an example for other people with disabilities. Ayesha, who was born 28 years ago in the 500-Families area of Kabul to an educated family, says her family noticed her physical condition shortly after her birth. There was a visible swelling on her lower back, around the spinal area. After consulting doctors, she underwent surgery at the age of 52 days. According to Ayesha, doctors told her family that the surgery could prevent further complications in the future, and her family made every effort to ensure she received treatment from the earliest days of her life. Farida, Ayesha’s mother, said she noticed the swelling on her daughter’s back immediately after birth. At first, she thought it might be something normal, but doctors later determined that it was not and recommended surgery. They also warned that Ayesha could develop complications in…