Hibo Wardere

A Somali-British activist who courageously exposed female genital mutilation (FGM) and founded a charity to combat it.

Hibo Wardere (born 1968) is a British-Somali social worker and anti-FGM campaigner. Surviving FGM herself, she co-founded the 28 Too Many organization in 2010, focusing on eradicating FGM in Africa. Wardere’s 2003 testimony in the UK’s first FGM prosecution led to the conviction of a doctor, setting a legal precedent. Her memoir "Cutting the Rose" (2010) details her journey from Somalia to activism. She advocates for policy changes and educates communities through workshops, emphasizing cultural sensitivity. Wardere’s work has influenced UK legislation, including mandatory reporting of FGM since 2015. Her TED Talk "FGM: A Story of Survival and Hope" has reached millions, highlighting intersectional feminism and grassroots advocacy.