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Creating Her Own Path: Mohadese Sharifi on Art, Identity, and Empowering Afghan Women

You’re representing Afghanistan on an international stage. How do you balance that big responsibility with the everyday experiences of being a young woman?

It’s both challenging and exciting. I come from a very different culture, and no Afghan woman has ever done this before. That makes it a completely new experience for me; I cannot follow anyone’s footsteps, I have to create my own. Of course, it brings a lot of challenges, but the ambitious side of me loves to face them. Every step helps me grow as a person, and I am proud to carry this responsibility not only for myself, but for Afghan women everywhere.

Tattoo art is all about storytelling. What first drew you to this form of expression, and what stories do you love to tell through your work?

I have always been creative. As a child, I was constantly drawing, and over time I turned my passion into my work; something that gives me both joy and independence. What I love most about tattooing is meeting people with different lifestyles and stories. Many times, I’ve felt like a friend or even an advisor to my clients, while designing something deeply meaningful for them. Every tattoo is unique, and every day brings new challenges. That constant variety and creativity are what I truly love about this art form.

Modelling and tattooing are two very different creative outlets. How do they influence each other in your journey of self-expression?

They are different, yes, but both allow me to express my creativity and femininity. Modelling lets me embody beauty and confidence, while tattooing challenges me artistically and keeps me connected to people on a deeper level. Together, they balance my journey of self-expression; one shows my personal beauty, and the other reflects my creative spirit.

On the Miss Europe Continental stage, what part of Afghan culture do you most want to share with the world, and why is it meaningful to you?

I want to represent the true beauty of Afghan women — something the world has rarely seen. I want people to imagine what Afghan women’s lives could look like if they had freedom and opportunity: their talent, intelligence, and inner and outer beauty shining without fear. Afghan women are naturally strong, compassionate, and creative, yet so many remain silent because of circumstances. I want to be one of the first to take this step, to inspire them to speak up, to believe in themselves, and to know that their dreams are worth pursuing. Representing Afghanistan in this competition makes me deeply proud, because it is not only my journey — it is also theirs.

Who or what are your biggest inspirations — people, places, or experiences that keep you motivated and focused?

I don’t follow a specific role model. My biggest motivation has always been myself. I challenge and compete with myself, because I want to grow stronger every day. Of course, I look at trends and the world around me, but I don’t copy — I take my own path. What inspires me most is the thought of inspiring others. If I can encourage even one person to believe in themselves, then I know I am on the right track.

How are you preparing for the big final in Italy?

There are still many things I want to prepare and refine, but my biggest strength is my faith. I truly believe that everything is meant to happen the way it should. I trust myself, I trust my journey, and I am giving this competition my all. With that mindset, I already feel like I belong on that stage.

Imagine your future self in five years. What projects or dreams do you hope to be pursuing?

It’s a difficult question, because I am young and open to whatever life has in store for me. I focus on my education and my personal growth, but my true dream is bigger: I want to inspire and help Afghan women to believe in themselves, to never silence their talent and beauty. One of my biggest goals is to create a charity to support women in Afghanistan — whether by giving them education, career opportunities, or simply the courage to follow their dreams. If I can build something that empowers them to live the lives they deserve, then I know I’ve achieved something meaningful.

You’ve been traveling a lot. What’s been your favorite destination so far, and what made it special?

I haven’t discovered my favorite destination yet. For someone who dreams of exploring the world, I feel like the best places are still ahead of me. Every journey teaches me something new, and I look forward to finding that one destination that truly feels like home.

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