Waris Dirie quotes

Waris Dirie is a Somali model, author, and human rights activist renowned for her work against female genital mutilation (FGM). Her life story, from a nomadic childhood in Somalia to international fame, has inspired millions around the world. She has dedicated much of her career to advocacy and raising awareness about the plight of women and girls affected by FGM. Here are 17 of her quotes:

Women's loyalty has to be earned with trust and affection, rather than barbaric rituals. The time has come to leave the old ways of suffering behind.

Waris Dirie

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

I love life. I wish I could live another 500 years, truly. There is so much to do. I don't feel bitter or angry or disappointed. If anything, I am very grateful for where I come from. I have absolutely no regrets.

Waris Dirie

I can enjoy anywhere, and I can leave it. Life is about moving on.

Waris Dirie

Because women and girls are not valued equally as human beings, they are treated as less than such. Female genital mutilation is one example of this that has to be stopped.

Waris Dirie

Female genital mutilation targets little girls, baby girls - fragile angels who are helpless, who cannot fight back. It's a crime against a child, a crime against humanity. It's abuse. It's absolutely criminal and we have to stop it.

Waris Dirie

I belong nowhere and to no one.

Waris Dirie

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

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, buy it, buy it.'

Waris Dirie

Every day, women move mountains. It is an insult to have an international women's day.

Waris Dirie

Sometimes I wonder where I am from. I am either way ahead or I come from another world. I don't recognise this world.

Waris Dirie

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

I don't know what a supermodel is. If they call me that, I might have to punch them. It's just so vain and so unreal.

Waris Dirie

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 saying how you really feel.

Waris Dirie

Personal style? I don't really believe in that. Whatever is comfortable.

Waris Dirie