The sand doodler who conquered her Somali Islamic critics (www.bbc.com)

Nujuum Hashi, who has overcome traditional prejudice to become a respected artist in Somalia, decided on her career as she drew pictures in the sand as a seven year old in the capital, Mogadishu.

Now Hashi makes a decent living from her art and is able to support her extended family.

The 26 year old lives in Hargeisa, the capital of the self-declared republic of Somaliland, and receives commissions from government departments, international organizations and individuals.

Education ministry asked her to provide images for its campaign to get more girls into school.

Check out the article for more paintings from her