African Feminist Icon

Waris Dirie’s autobiography Desert Flower is a powerful tale of resilience and advocacy. Born into a nomadic Somali family, she survived FGM and fled an arranged marriage to become a global supermodel and a UN Special Ambassador for the Elimination of FGM. Her story has inspired millions, spotlighting the fight against female genital mutilation and the need for women’s empowerment worldwide. Today, through the Desert Flower Foundation, Waris continues to champion the rights of girls and women, striving for a future free of FGM.