From hell of the Somali desert to international podiums
Born in 1965 in a family of Somali nomads, Waris Drie has undergone an excision at the age of 5, a traditional practice deeply rooted in its culture. At 13, to escape a forced marriage with a much older man, he decided to escape from his family. After a dangerous crossing of the desert, he reaches Mogadishu, the Somali capital, where he finds refuge with his grandmother.
Thanks to family contacts, Waris is sent to London to work as a servant of the Somalia Embassy. For several years he lives in precarious conditions, isolated and without controlling the English language. When the civil war broke out in Somalia, the embassy closes, leaving it without resources or accommodation. It was then that he met Marilyn, an eccentric young woman who hosts her and helps her to find a job in a fast food.
Waris’ fate changes when noticed by photographer Terence Donovan. Her surprising beauty quickly pushes her to international podiums, making it one of the first African models to experience world fame. Despite her success, the trauma of her childhood persecutes her and she decides to break the silence by telling her story.
A fierce fight against female genital mutilation
In 1997, during an interview for the magazine Marie ClaireWaris Drie publicly reveals that he is the victim of genital mutilation. His testimony shocked public opinion and highlights a practice still known in the West. Her commitment leads her to become an Ambassador of the United Nations for issues related to female sexual mutilation. It runs through the world to sensitize and fight against this violence against women.
His autobiography, Desert flowerPublished in 1998, it becomes an international bestseller. The book describes in detail his career, from his childhood in Somalia to his modeling career, including his struggle for women’s rights. In 2009, the book was adapted to the cinema by Sherry Hormann, with the model Liya Kebede in the role of Waris. The film, faithful to the autobiographical story, offers an intense dip in the life of this brave woman.
Today Waris Drie continues his struggle through the Desert Flower FoundationAn organization that founded to eradicate female genital mutilation and support victims. His story is a powerful testimony of resilience and determination in the face of adversity.
Source: Cine Serie
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