Waris Dirie

Somali supermodel turned anti-FGM activist who changed global perception of female genital mutilation

Waris Dirie (b. 1965) transformed from a nomadic herdsgirl in Somalia to becoming one of Africa's most impactful human rights campaigners. Her life story embodies the ultimate make a difference narrative through her relentless fight against female genital mutilation (FGM).

At age 13, Dirie underwent FGM and later fled an arranged marriage. After working as a maid in London, she was discovered as a model and became the face of Chanel and Revlon. However, her true impact came in 1997 when she publicly revealed her FGM experience in Marie Claire magazine, breaking cultural taboos.

Dirie founded the Desert Flower Foundation which has:

• Established holistic FGM treatment centers across Europe
• Lobbied for UN Resolution 67/146 banning FGM globally
• Educated over 500,000 African girls about their rights

Her memoir Desert Flower sold over 11 million copies, translated into 55 languages. The 2021 medical study showed her campaigns contributed to 25% reduction in FGM prevalence across East Africa.