Waris Dirie was the first person in history to publicize to the world, the violence of FGM and saved millions of lives by taking a leading role in promoting anti-FGM campaign. She raised the issue of FGM as an international human rights agenda and assisted in passing a worldwide resolution banning its practice.
General Background
- 1965 – Born in Somalia (Exact birthday unknown)
- Model, actress, activist, writer and UN Special Ambassador for the Elimination of FGM (1997-2003)
- 2002 – Founded Desert Flower Foundation
Films and Books
- 1987: Played a “Bond girl” in the film The Living Daylights.
- 1997: Wrote the book Desert Flower (Her name, “Waris,” means “desert flower” in Somali). It has been published in 65 languages & sold more than 13 million copies around the world.
- 2001: Wrote the book Desert Dawn.
- 2005: Wrote the book Desert Children.
- 2007: Wrote the book Letter to My Mother.
- 2009: Co-produced the film Desert Flower, based on her book of the same name (Produced by Oscar Nominee Peter Hermann).
- 2010: Wrote the book Schwarze Frau, Weißes Land.
- 2013: Wrote the book Saving Safa: Rescuing a Little Girl from FGM.
- 2017: Wrote the book My Africa
Awards
- 1999: German Africa Award (Federal Republic of Germany)
- 2000: Woman of the Year Award (Glamour Magazine)
- 2002: Corine Literature Prize (German Book Trade)
- 2004: Women’s World Award (Mikhail Gorbachev)
- 2005: Bishop Oscar Romero Award (Catholic Church)
- 2007: Legion of Honor (France)
- 2007: Prix des Générations (World Demographic Association)
- 2008: Martin Buber Gold Medal (Euriade Foundation)
- 2010: Gold Medal of the President of the Republic of Italy (Contribution to human rights activism)
- 2013: Woman of the Year for “Campaign work” (Woman of the Year Foundation)
- 2017: Woman of the Year for “Women for Women” (Gala Magazine)
- 2018: Woman of the Year (Regional Council of Acosta Valley, Italy)
The Official Web Site of the Sunhak Peace Prize
