A place of hope - the global fight against female genital mutilation (FGM)
At the centre of the global fight against female genital mutilation (FGM) is a woman whose story has touched and inspired millions: Waris Dirie. L'Officiel spoke to her and Dr. Cornelia Strunz about the work of the Desert Flower Foundation.
Born in Somalia, she has grown from a nomadic girl to an internationally recognized model, a best-selling author and a passionate human rights activist. As UN Goodwill Ambassador against FGM (1997-2003) and founder of the Desert Flower Foundation in Vienna in 2002, Waris Dirie created a platform to raise awareness of this cruel practice and support the women affected.
The Desert Flower Center Waldfriede in Berlin, unique in its kind and directly affiliated with the Foundation, offers these women not only medical and psychological help, but also hope for a new life. Dr. Cornelia Strunz, senior physician and medical coordinator of the center, plays a central role in this fight.
In an exclusive interview, Waris Daries and Dr. Cornelia Strunz insights into the challenges and successes of her work.
Ms. Dirie, what changes or improvements have you observed in the fight against FGM since the founding of your foundation?
Waris Dirie: "When we founded the Desert Flower Foundation in 2002, only a few people knew about female genital mutilation (FGM). Today the whole world knows about this cruel crime against girls and women. In 2002, only four African countries had a law against FGM . Today only four African states have no law against FGM. Fortunately, a lot has happened. A lot has changed for the better. But we are far from reaching our goal. While the FGM numbers are falling in Africa, they are increasing here Europe. That means: FGM is right among us."
What are your priorities for your foundation in the next few years?
Waris Dirie: "The most important thing is to continue to raise awareness of our fight against FGM. This works best with education and campaigns. "Samia", a film I worked on, was recently completed before the Summer Olympics to premiere in Paris in 2024. In 2023 we opened “Heimat by Waris Dirie”, a 2,000 square meter, state-of-the-art fitness and wellness center just for women, in the heart of Paris. With its own theater and cinema with 200 seats. In This year we will be hosting film screenings, panel discussions, dance and music performances as well as readings and openings. My musical "Wüstenblume", which was performed at the Deutsches Theater in Munich in 2023, will tour Europe and hopefully soon be seen in London and New York City "You are probably asking yourself: What does this have to do with FGM? A lot, I tell you. Because we use all of this as a multiplier to show, to transport and spread our message, the important fight against FGM."
"Nelson Mandela once said: Education is the most powerful weapon you can use to change the world." Waris Dirie
Miss Dr. Strunz, how did the Desert Flower Center come about and what role did Waris Dirie play in it?
Miss Dr. Strunz: “The idea for the center arose from the urgent need to provide holistic support to women suffering from the consequences of FGM. The initiative for the collaboration with the Desert Flower Foundation was largely led by chief physician Dr. Roland Scherer pushed forward. His specialization and his commitment to Africa were key elements in initiating this partnership. Waris Dirie, whose own experiences and activism brought the issue to the global spotlight, was also crucial to its founding. With their commitment, it was possible to open this unique center in 2013, which offers medical care, psychological support and a strong sense of community.”
What special offers and programs does your center offer women?
Miss Dr. Strunz: “Our core services include surgical procedures, psychological care and physiotherapeutic help. Our weekly swimming training, which is made possible through the cooperation with the Seepferdchen4All swimming school, is unique. This offer not only promotes physical recovery, but also strengthens women's self-confidence. Another important part of our work is the support of consultants and interpreters, who form an essential bridge between the doctors and the patients and thus help to overcome cultural and language barriers.”
How do you support women financially during treatment?
Miss Dr. Strunz: “The cost issue is a big challenge. By including FGM in the medical diagnosis code of the statutory health insurance companies in Germany, we were able to help many women. In addition, we founded the Waldfriede eV support association, which is financed through donations and covers the costs for uninsured patients.”
"It's not enough to just draw attention to the oppression of women once a year on International Women's Day. It has to be a daily concern." Waris Dirie
What role do educational offerings play in your work?
Waris Dirie: " Nelson Mandela already said: Education is the most powerful weapon you can use to change the world. Education and income for women are absolutely necessary to permanently eliminate FGM. Only an economically independent one A woman will not easily submit to group pressure. The poorest countries in Africa not only have the highest illiteracy rate, but also by far the highest FGM rate. Education is key in our work. All of our Desert Flower sponsor girls are not only protected from FGM and forced marriage, they also receive a school education. Our fifth Desert Flower School is currently being built in Sierra Leone. After completion, well over 3,000 girls and boys will attend one of our Desert Flower schools."
Miss Dr. Strunz: “With our specialist book on FGM, which we published in 2020, we share our knowledge and experiences and offer concrete strategies for dealing with affected women. We also raise public awareness of the issue of FGM through the Desert Flower magazine and show the successes of our work.”
In the context of International Women's Day, what message would you like to send to women affected by FGM and to women worldwide in general?
Waris Dirie: " It's not enough to draw attention to the oppression of women just once a year on International Women's Day. It has to be a daily concern. Women's rights are human rights. I was a rebel even as a little girl. That's why I say women of this World, stand up! We women will save this planet. Love & Peace!"
Miss Dr. Strunz: “The Desert Flower Center Waldfriede is more than just a medical center; it is a symbol of resistance to FGM and a safe haven for the women affected. On the occasion of International Women's Day, we want to emphasize that every step we take is a step towards a world where women and girls can live free from violence and discrimination. Our work here in Berlin, inspired by Waris Dirie’s tireless efforts, is a living example of how individuals and communities can come together to make meaningful change.”
The commitment of the Desert Flower Foundation and the Desert Flower Center Waldfriede and its supporters, especially that of Waris Dirie, is a strong and at the same time shining example of the power of hope, courage and solidarity. As the fight against FGM continues, the Center remains a key player in the global effort to enable women to live with dignity and freedom.
