Waris Dirie

Waris Dirie is a Somali model, author, and human rights activist known for her work in raising awareness about female genital mutilation (FGM). Born in Somalia in 1965, she escaped a life of traditional expectations to pursue a modeling career in Europe, becoming a prominent figure in the fashion industry. Dirie has dedicated her life to advocating against FGM, sharing her own harrowing experiences to highlight the issue and inspire change. Her activism led to the founding of the Desert Flower Foundation, which aims to protect women and girls from FGM and promote education and empowerment. Recently, she was in the news for her ongoing efforts to open discussions around this sensitive subject and challenge societal taboos regarding women's rights.