A Place of Hope
At the center of the global fight against female genital mutilation (FGM) is a woman whose story has touched and inspired millions: Waris Dirie. I spoke with her and Dr. Cornelia Strunz about the work of the Desert Flower Foundation.
Born in Somalia, she has evolved from a nomadic girl into an internationally recognized model, a bestselling author, and a passionate human rights activist. As a UN Special Ambassador against FGM (1997-2003) and the founder of the Desert Flower Foundatio in 2002 in Vienna, Waris Dirie has created a platform to raise awareness of this cruel practice and support the affected women.
The Desert Flower Center Waldfriede in Berlin, unique in its kind and directly affiliated with the Foundation, offers these women not just medical and psychological assistance but also hope for a new life. Dr. Cornelia Strunz, the leading physician and medical coordinator of the Center, plays a central role in this fight.
In an exclusive interview, Waris Dirie and Dr. Cornelia Strunz provide insights into the challenges and successes of their work.
Mrs. Dirie, what changes or improvements in the fight against FGM have you observed 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 is aware of this cruel crime against girls and women. In 2002, only four African countries had a law against FGM. Today, there are only four African countries without a law against FGM. Fortunately, much has been done. A lot has changed for the better. But we are still far from the goal. While FGM numbers are decreasing in Africa, they are increasing in Europe. This means: FGM is right among us."
What priorities are you setting for your foundation in the coming years?
Waris Dirie: "The most important thing is to continuously raise awareness for our fight against FGM. The best way to do this is through education and campaigns. Recently, 'Samia' was completed, a film I participated in, which is to premiere before the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris. In 2023, we opened 'Heimat by Waris Dirie', a state-of-the-art fitness and wellness center just for women, spanning over 2,000 square meters, in the heart of Paris. It includes its own theater and a cinema with 200 seats. This year, we will host film screenings, panel discussions, dance and music performances, as well as readings and vernissages there. My musical 'Desert Flower', which was performed at the German Theater in Munich in 2023, will tour through Europe and hopefully will soon be seen in London and New York City. You might wonder: What does this have to do with FGM? A lot, I tell you. Because we use all this as a multiplier to demonstrate, to convey and spread our message, the important fight against FGM."
"Nelson Mandela once said: Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world." Waris Dirie
Dr. Strunz, how did the Desert Flower Center come about, and what role did Waris Dirie play in it?
Dr. Strunz: "The idea for the center emerged from the urgent need to holistically support women suffering from the consequences of FGM. The initiative for the collaboration with the Desert Flower Foundation was significantly driven by Chief Physician Dr. Roland Scherer. His specialization and commitment in Africa were central to initiating this partnership. Waris Dirie, whose own experiences and activism brought the issue to the global stage, was also crucial for the establishment. Thanks to her dedication, it was possible to open this unique center in 2013, which offers medical care, psychological support, and a strong sense of community."
What specific services and programs does your center offer to women?
Dr. Strunz: "Our core services include surgical procedures, psychological support, and physiotherapy. Unique to our center is our weekly swimming training, made possible through cooperation with the swim school Seepferdchen4All. This not only promotes physical recovery but also strengthens the women's self-esteem. Another important part of our work is support from counselors and interpreters, who form an essential bridge between the doctors and the patients, thus helping to overcome cultural and language barriers."
How do you support the women financially for their treatment?
Dr. Strunz: "The issue of costs is a significant challenge. By including FGM in the medical diagnosis key for statutory health insurance in Germany, we were able to help many women. Additionally, we founded the Waldfriede e.V. support association, which is financed through donations and covers costs for uninsured patients."
"It is not enough to draw attention to the oppression of women only once a year on International Women's Day. It must be a daily concern." Waris Dirie
What role do educational offerings play in your work?
Waris Dirie: "Nelson Mandela once said: 'Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.' Education and income for women are absolutely necessary to eradicate FGM sustainably. Only an economically independent woman will not easily succumb to the pressure of a group. The poorest countries in Africa not only have the highest illiteracy rates but also by far the highest FGM rates. Education is the key in our work. All our Desert Flower sponsored girls are not only protected from FGM and forced marriage but also receive schooling. In Sierra Leone, our fifth Desert Flower school is currently under construction. Upon completion, well over 3,000 girls and boys will attend one of our Desert Flower schools."
Dr. Strunz: "With our specialist book on FGM, published in 2020, we share our knowledge and experiences and offer concrete strategies for dealing with affected women. Furthermore, through the Desert Flower Magazine, we raise public awareness of the issue of FGM and showcase 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?
Waris Dirie: "It is not enough to draw attention to the oppression of women only once a year on International Women's Day. It must 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 the world, stand up! We women will save this planet. Love & Peace!"
Dr. Strunz: "The Desert Flower Center Waldfriede is more than just a medical center; it is a symbol of resistance against FGM and a safe haven for the affected women. 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 bring about significant change."
The commitment of the Desert Flower Foundation and Center Waldfriede and its supporters, especially that of Waris Dirie, is a strong and 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 a life of dignity and freedom.
