ZIRÛR EL-MEŞRIQÎ

Tunisia- 41-year-old Elfe Balî has a congenital disorder and she has been wheelchair-bound since she was 12 years old but she manages to create a resisting portray despite all the obstacles. She did her doctorate in Media Systems Engineering and she has worked as head of Media Department at the Institute of Higher Nursing Sciences of Sfax Governorship. She also holds the title of ambassador of the German Foundation for International Development in Tunisia.

“Success is the result of hard work”

Stating that she sometimes sees pity in the eyes of people, Elfe feels uncomfortable when she sees people look at her in this way. “Success is the result of determination and hard work. I did it. I do my best in order to overcome the obstacles and difficulties and to improve myself; I sometimes do it by smiling. By making a great effort, working hard,” Elfe said.

“Hard work has gotten me to where I am today”

Referring to the difficulties she experienced due to her physical disability, Elfe said, “I am a successful woman right now, hard work has gotten me to where I am today but I get very tired to get here. I fought my own battle. First, I had to break social norms. People think that disabled people cannot join social, political, and especially economic life. I always hate being treated like a fragile vase; I fought to break this view,” Elfe said one of her greatest sources of inspiration since she decided to be successful, is the physicist Stephen Hawking.

“Buildings and cities are unsuitable for us”

Pointing out that the buildings, avenues, streets, and pavements are not built for people with physical disabilities, Elfe told us what difficulties she faces in daily life; “I have difficulties when I have to go out of the house, wait for a bus, take a bus, and go upstairs because the buildings and cities are unsuitable for us. Sometimes, I have to ask for help because I have difficulties going somewhere in my wheelchair.  I feel desperate when I ask help from someone but when I work I don’t feel I am a dependent person.”

Call from Elfe to disabled persons: Focus on your creativity

Elfe called on disabled persons like her and said, “We have already proved that the disabled persons have strength and willpower. I call on all disabled persons; don’t allow your disabilities to reach your soul, always focus on your creativity. Never leave what you like.”