Waris Dirie (Somali: Waris Diiriye, Arabic: واريس ديري) (born in 1965) is a Somali model, author, actress and social activist. From 1997 to 2003, she served as a UN Special Ambassador.
We can give no more excuses for [female genital mutilation]. This is a pure crime against a child. And we are doing it ... not God or nature. (2007 U.N. press conference)
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Fact
1
Gained international fame as a model in Chanel ads and as a Bond Girl, before launching her campaign against female genital mutilation in 1996.
2
Shocked the world with the bestselling book "Desert Flower," that described how she underwent genital mutilation, and was given in arranged marriage to a 61-year-old man at the age of 13. She escaped and walked for 9 days to reach an uncle's house.
3
Contrary to popular belief, she is not related to supermodel Iman. In her book Desert Flower, Dirie states that Iman's mother was good friends with her aunt, a relative with whom Waris once lived during her time in London.
Actress
Title
Year
Status
Character
The Living Daylights
1987
Girl (as Waris Walsh)
Writer
Title
Year
Status
Character
Desert Flower
2009
novel
Producer
Title
Year
Status
Character
Desert Flower
2009
co-producer
Self
Title
Year
Status
Character
Días de cine
2010
TV Series
Herself
2004 Women's World Awards
2004
TV Special
Herself
2002 World Awards
2002
TV Special
Herself
Die Johannes B. Kerner Show
2002
TV Series
Herself
Aquí no hay quien duerma
1995
TV Series
Herself
A Nomad in New York: The Day That Changed My Life
1995
Short
Herself
Soul Train
1995
TV Series documentary
Herself - Guest Host
Known for movies
Desert Flower (2009) as Writer
The Living Daylights (1987) as Girl
2002 World Awards (2002) as Herself
A Nomad in New York: The Day That Changed My Life (1995) as Herself
$5 Million
