At the age of 9, Sheillah Sheldone Charles is already a global citizen and is using her art to make an impact.
"I draw women because they suffer a lot," the young Kenyan girl said in a video by the BBC. She added that she's seen her mom, who recently had an operation and was in pain, and that she also draws women because they are "the most important people in our families."
Women across the globe face the uphill battle of securing their equal rights. In Kenya, in particular, women are underrepresented in decision-making positions, and have less access to education, land, and employment, according to USAID.
Voices like Sheldone Charles' help shift this narrative toward gender equality by elevating women and the struggles they face.
Take Action: Encourage girls & women to follow their dreams
Sheldone Charles began making art at the age of 5 and, with the support of her mother, has had the chance to nurture her talent.
Despite her young age, Sheldone Charles has already created many incredible works of art — her favorite is a portrait of a lion, a major tourist attraction in Kenya. She has even designed work for Kenya's president, Uhuru Kenyatta.
Read More: How These Australian Activists Are Tackling Gender Inequality Around the World
Sheldone Charles seems wise beyond her years, and shares her talent freely, teaching other children to paint.
"If you have a talent, don't just say: It's mine alone. I should not teach others," she told the BBC. "So you should also share your talent out there."
The artist, designer, and model who says she draws and paints to improve her family's life, has already inspired many with her work.
If that’s not #Motivation we don’t know what is!
— Slick Casino (@slickcasino) August 28, 2018
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Sheillah Sheldone Charles is a young woman of many talents. Shes an artist, a model and a designer. Oh, and she’s 9 years old
—#artist#model#motivation#motivationalquotes#hustle#kenya#kenyan#slickcasino#itmg#itrapmgpic.twitter.com/D1AKeSpYGB
This is a 9 years old girl from Kenya known as Miss. Shailah Sheldone a fine art artist I hope the government will help her to achieve her dream. The reason why we were trying to request the President to form ministry of Science,Technology & Innovations to tap the talents,gift pic.twitter.com/W46lsrnWbi
— Mr. Moses Ndichu Njenga (@mr_ndichu) July 4, 2018
She’s 9. NINE! How can a 53 year old man be inspired by a 9 year old girl? Well, just watch.#BBC News - The nine-year-old Kenyan artist painting from the heart https://t.co/2yIbJ2UFxU
— Robbie Frazer (@RobbieFrazer) September 3, 2018
Sheillah Sheldone Charles is a young, black legend and my hero ❤️
— Eniafè Momodu, the Lionaire 🦁🐝 (@EniafeMomodu) August 28, 2018
Sheldone Charles shows what it means to be a global citizen. Her artwork not only brings us joy — it also calls on us to think about issues that matter.