My mother named me after a miracle of nature: Waris means desert flower. The desert flower blooms in a barren environment where few living things can survive. — Waris Dirie Copy Share Image
I still do find it very difficult in the West to connect to this politeness of smiling, not saying how you're thinking or not… — Waris Dirie Copy Share Image
We need to empower women: provide them with work for their own income, and teach them to become independent of men so they will… — Waris Dirie Copy Share Image
Less hatred, more love, less war, more peace, more respect for the Mother Nature and for other people. — Waris Dirie Copy Share Image
I know what I am fighting for. I am fighting for the most basic rights of innocent children. And that is why I never… — Waris Dirie Copy Share Image
In the current situation, it is very difficult for foreign NGOs to work in Somalia because it is so unstable and dangerous. I really… — Waris Dirie Copy Share Image
I always knew, from the very day of my own mutilation, that I would one day fight against this practice. I did not know… — Waris Dirie Copy Share Image
I love the truth. Tell the truth and live the truth, because we've seen enough lies and look what it's doing. — Waris Dirie Copy Share Image
Fashion is fun, ridiculously fun. But it's base and it's wrong. You're not doing anything good for the world. You're just saying, 'Buy it,… — Waris Dirie Copy Share Image
Every day, women move mountains. It is an insult to have an international women's day. — Waris Dirie Copy Share Image
Well, of course there’s my own experience of being mutilated as a little child. Having gone through this cruel practice and all the long-term… — Waris Dirie Copy Share Image
Laws are important. But they can only be effective if the people know about the particular laws. — Waris Dirie Copy Share Image
Female genital mutilation targets little girls, baby girls - fragile angels who are helpless, who cannot fight back. It's a crime against a child,… — Waris Dirie Copy Share Image
I've never been one to stay still. I was born a nomad, and I still am a nomad and always will be. — Waris Dirie Copy Share Image
