"Instead of seeing women and girls subjected to discrimination and oppression, in the exhibition, they stand proud, strong, happy and dignified," Broussard says.

Yunnan native Xu Lanxian says this has been her journey since she lost a leg in an accident.

"Long after, I remained upset, always wondering how I could live as a woman with one leg," she says.

She now loves swimming, badminton and jumping rope.

"Disability is just one small part of life. We're the same as others."

Xu was recently elected leader of a self-help group. "I'm inspiring others with disabilities to live happily," she says.

Zhang Ran, who is visually impaired, discovered her brilliance in dancing.

"At first ... my instructor and I stepped on each other's feet and even fell on the floor," she says.

Today, she dances with grace and performs at national sports events.

"Dance makes me feel confident and brings light to my darkness."