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Zainab Al-Eqabi’s life took a dramatic turn when, at the age of seven, she lost one of her legs due to a bomb explosion near her home in Baghdad. However, what could have been a devastating setback transformed into a remarkable journey of resilience, athleticism, and body positivity.Al-Eqabi, now 30 and based in the UAE, is not just an athlete but also a beacon of inspiration for people with disabilities worldwide. Her remarkable story highlights her unwavering determination to overcome adversity and challenge societal stereotypes surrounding disability.The journey toward becoming an athlete was unconventional for Al-Eqabi. Her transformation began when a doctor recommended swimming to alleviate the back pain caused by her prosthetic leg.
At first, she was apprehensive, but swimming proved to be a turning point in her life. It not only eased her discomfort but also opened doors to various other sports.Triathlon and cycling became her passions, and she competed in two triathlons as a cyclist in the UAE. In 2020, she took on the Dubai Fitness Challenge, a monumental feat where she hauled a 2,000kg Jeep. Her dedication to intense training, combined with her role as a full-time pharmacist, is a testament to her extraordinary determination.Yet, Al-Eqabi’s impact extends beyond her athletic achievements. With a staggering 1.5 million followers on Instagram, she uses her platform to challenge stereotypes, combat prejudices, and foster self-confidence. Her goal is to break the stigma associated with people with disabilities in the Middle East.In a society where misconceptions about disabilities persist, Al-Eqabi’s journey and social media presence are instrumental in fostering understanding and acceptance. She has created a Facebook page called “Disabled and Proud,” where she shares stories from her daily life and offers insights into her experiences as a person with a prosthetic leg.One powerful testament to the impact of her work is a story she shared. A woman confided in her that her disabled son had become more social and confident by following Al-Eqabi on social media.
This underscores the transformative influence of positive role models in empowering those facing physical challenges.Al-Eqabi’s advocacy for body positivity and self-love aligns with The Body Shop’s Global Self Love Movement campaign. She serves as a regional face for this campaign, which seeks to promote self-esteem and body positivity. Her personal journey epitomizes the essence of self-love, resilience, and embracing one’s unique identity.When it comes to her own beauty routine, Al-Eqabi emphasizes the importance of skincare. She maintains a diligent skincare regimen, which includes moisturizer, sunscreen, and a weekly face mask. On most days, she embraces her natural beauty with a bare face, only adding a few coats of mascara when she’s not swimming. For her, beauty goes beyond cosmetics; it encompasses self-care and self-love.Al-Eqabi’s secret to feeling her best is simple: prioritizing sleep and exercise. She attests that regular workouts are a source of well-being and positivity. Her dedication to fitness is a testament to her resilience and serves as an inspiration to others.While the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted many of her plans, Al-Eqabi remains an unwavering advocate for body positivity and inclusivity.
Her message to people with disabilities is one of empowerment: “Don’t let it stop you, because at the end of the day, you need to live your life. This is your life. You deserve to live it and enjoy it.”Zainab Al-Eqabi’s remarkable journey, from overcoming a life-altering accident to becoming a symbol of strength and body positivity, serves as a powerful reminder that adversity can be transformed into triumph. Her story encourages us all to embrace our uniqueness, challenge stereotypes, and nurture self-love on our personal journeys of self-discovery and empowerment.
