I believe its very important to know of as many interesting, intelligent, influential and inspiring women as possible because there are so many and yet I find I can name more '' '', '' '', and '' '' men than I can women. So here is one I want to share because she is such an amazing woman and everyone should know about her:
Waris Dirie was born to a nomadic family in Somalia in 1965.
At 13 years old she ran away to escape an arranged marriage to a man as old as her father. She eventually moved to London where she worked for an uncle who had been appointed Somali ambassador. But when his term in office ended, Waris took a job at McDonalds.
One day in McDonalds Waris was discovered by a photographer called Terence Donovan. From then on her modeling career took off and she became a world famous super model.
At the height of her modelling career, Waris spoke of the female genital mutilation she had undergone as a child.
She has written a book called Desert Flower which I am currently reading.
I first learned about Waris after watching the stunning film Desert Flower staring Liya Kebede. Highly recommended. It has won many awards.
In 2010 Waris was appointed Peace ambassador for the Year Of Peace and Security by the African Union.
After an attack on herself and her home, also a kidnapping, Waris quit her modelling career to focus on her work against female genital mutilation. She has founded the Desert Flower foundation, founded the PPR Foundation for Women's Dignity and Rights, raising money for schools and clinics in Somalia. She has also won many awards, written books, and starred in one James Bond film.
I believe her to be a truly remarkable woman, with a name that fits her- she not only survives but manages to blossom in harsh and challenging conditions, whether it be the desert, London or New York.
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