Libyan woman shares love for calligraphy, radio and nutrition - in pictures

  • Majda Al Riyani, a 29-year-old Libyan woman, works as a clinical nutrition specialist, a health programme presenter at a local radio station and is a calligraphy instructor in Arabic and English. All photos: Reuters
    Majda Al Riyani, a 29-year-old Libyan woman, works as a clinical nutrition specialist, a health programme presenter at a local radio station and is a calligraphy instructor in Arabic and English. All photos: Reuters
  • Ms Riyani, left, promotes causes close to her heart, despite criticism from a conservative society.
    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 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 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.
    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.
    '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.'
    '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.
    Ms Al Riyani paints at a studio in Benghazi, Libya.