Born Without Knees - But Now I'm An Actress | SHAKE MY BEAUTY

4 years ago
118

THIS DETERMINED woman was born with a defect that left her without knees or calves - but this hasn't stopped her from achieving her dream to become an actress. Ouleymatou Dia, from Dakar, Senegal, stands at just 3ft 6" and claims that living with a disability in Senegal is different and more difficult than in Western countries. The 27-year-old was ‘rejected by society’ and claims her government offers no support in terms of surgeries and accessibility. However, Ouleymatou is a hugely positive person and advocates for inclusivity in Senegal’s filming industry. She told Truly: “If I go to a casting and they refuse to take me I don't give up - I say, ‘If it's not there it will be elsewhere’. You have to have confidence in yourself.” Ouleymatou was recently featured in a TV show in Senegal and works as a photo model, TV presenter and radio host for a local station. She said: “I want people with disabilities to think that they can be successful because you don't have to think that you are different from others. It must boost you, it must be a source of motivation!”

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