Who Is Waris Dirie? Age, Biography and Wiki
Born on October 21, 1965, Waris Dirie is currently 59 years old. She escaped war-torn Somalia at a young age and rose to international fame as a model in the 1980s. Waris has authored several books, including her autobiography "Desert Flower," which has brought attention to her activism against FGM. She has become a symbol of resilience and empowerment for women worldwide.
| Occupation | Women's Rights Activists |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | October 21, 1965 |
| Age | 59 Years |
| Birth Place | Galkayo, Somalia |
| Horoscope | Libra |
| Country | Somalia |
Popularity
Waris Dirie's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Waris Dirie stands at approximately 5 feet 10 inches (178 cm) tall and maintains a slender build, weighing around 130 pounds (59 kg). Her measurements are estimated to be 34-24-34 inches, making her a classic representation of beauty in the fashion industry. Her striking features and charismatic presence have contributed to her success as a model and actress.
In 1997, at the height of her modeling career, Dirie spoke publicly for the first time with the women's magazine Marie Claire about the FGM that she had undergone as a child, and would become a UN special ambassador against FGM that same year.
She has created a platform for raising awareness about FGM that includes numerous foundations, campaigns, books, and documentaries. Her first book, Desert Flower (1998), is an autobiography that went on to become an international bestseller, selling over 11 million copies worldwide, and inspired the film Desert Flower (2009).
She created two foundations: Desert Flower Foundation, an organisation whose goal is to eradicate female genital mutilation worldwide, and the Desert Dawn Foundation, which raises money for schools and clinics in her native Somalia.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Waris Dirie keeps her personal life relatively private, but it is known that she has been in various relationships over the years. As of 2025, she is reportedly single and focusing on her career and activism. Waris has been married once and has children, but details about her current boyfriend or romantic involvement are not publicly disclosed.
After experiencing painful menstruation, Dirie sought the advice of several doctors, but she declined to speak about the female genital mutilation that she had endured as a child. She eventually saw a doctor to have her vulva reopened. From that point, she no longer found menstruation or urination painful.
She described the change as a "new freedom". In 1997, at the height of her modeling career, Dirie spoke for the first time with Laura Ziv of the women's magazine Marie Claire about the FGM that she had undergone as a child, at the age of five along with her two sisters. That same year, Dirie became a UN envoy for the abolition of FGM.
She later paid her mother a visit in her native Somalia. She instructed her mother to intervene if anyone she knew were to undergo FGM, and her mother eventually asked for her forgiveness for subjecting her to the treatment.
Net Worth and Salary
Waris Dirie has amassed a considerable fortune throughout her diverse career. As of 2025, her estimated net worth is around $10 million. This wealth comes from her successful modeling career, book sales, and ongoing advocacy work. With her platform, she continues to generate income through speaking engagements and other projects.
One of her uncles, who was then the Somali ambassador to the United Kingdom, was looking for a maid. With the help of her aunt, she convinced her uncle to hire her and take her to London, where she worked at her uncle's house for little pay.
After her uncle's four-year term, Dirie left and lived in a number of unstable housing arrangements, later renting a room in a YMCA. She earned her living as a cleaner in a local McDonald's. She also began evening classes to learn English.
Career, Business and Investments
Waris Dirie's career began as a model in the 1980s, quickly gaining popularity and working with renowned brands. Transitioning into writing, her books, especially "Desert Flower," not only highlight her life story but also serve to educate others on the harmful effects of FGM.
In addition to her modeling and writing, Waris is involved in various business ventures, including promoting ethical fashion and sustainability. She has invested in organizations and initiatives that align with her mission of women's empowerment.
Born in Somalia, she moved to London where she began her modeling career. She was a model for top brands such as Chanel, Levi's, L'Oréal and Revlon. As a model, Dirie was the first black woman to appear in an Oil of Olay advertisement. In 1987, Dirie played a minor role in the James Bond film The Living Daylights.
Social Network
Waris Dirie possesses a strong social media presence, often using her platforms to raise awareness about female genital mutilation and other women's rights issues. She is active on Instagram and Twitter, where she engages with her followers, shares updates about her activism, and promotes her work.
* Together with her Desert Flower Foundation team, Dirie publishes her first reading book for children at African schools. The book tells the story of the little "desert flower" Waris and her brother Mo, who go on a journey together to discover their home continent Africa. On their adventures they get to know the flora and fauna of Africa.
In addition to the story, the book also contains numerous writing exercises, which are intended to promote the reading and writing skills of children.
Education
Waris Dirie’s early life was marked by hardship, which limited her formal education. However, through her experiences as a model and advocate, she has gained significant knowledge about social issues, particularly women's rights, and health. She actively promotes education for girls and women in Somalia and around the globe.
In conclusion, Waris Dirie's journey from a young girl in Somalia to an international figure is a testament to her resilience and dedication to the cause of women's rights. As she moves into 2025, her influence continues to grow, inspiring countless individuals to join the fight against FGM and for gender equality.
In 2016 Dirie and the team of the Desert Flower Foundation decided to make the topic "Education in Africa" the focus of their work. Through the sponsorship project "Save A Little Desert Flower" 1,000 girls could be saved from FGM in Sierra Leone.
The construction of the first three "Desert Flower schools" in Sierra Leone was announced in early 2019. Diries Desert Flower Foundation is also building a "Safe House", where FGM victims find refuge and protection. There is also a library and a computer centre.
In addition, 10,000 copies of Waris Dirie's reading book "My Africa - The Journey" with Desert Flower educational boxes will be distributed to 34 schools in Sierra Leone.
