logo
episode-header-image
Feb 2023
24m 12s

Waris Dirie: The fight against FGM

Bbc World Service
About this episode

Stephen Sackur speaks to Waris Dirie, the Somali born model, writer and activist. She was raised in poverty, and later became the muse of big fashion houses in New York and beyond. She chose campaigning over the catwalk, speaking out against female genital mutilation, which she experienced and is now determined to eliminate. Is this a fight she can win?

Up next
Yesterday
Arundhati Roy, author and activist: Writing is universal
“When I was writing it I didn’t think it would touch such a universal chord, you know, because it seemed to me so weird, my childhood and my mother and my life, it was, but of course, everybody has something. And a lot of people I meet have said this to me and that it helped them ... Show More
23 m
Oct 15
Peter Obi, Nigerian presidential candidate: The last election was rigged
“Nigeria can fight insecurity, head on. It only requires it for the commander-in-chief to be determined that this will end. Those criminals live with us. In our communities, people know them. I will go to the communities and find them. I will take control. And I will not do it fr ... Show More
23m 3s
Oct 13
Alexander Tah-ray Yui, Taiwan’s representative to US: We’re prepared for China to invade
“We don't have to have a fight, and we don't have to land in China, go to Beijing and win the war. All we have to do is prevent them to getting their objective of landing in Taiwan and conquering. It's not going to be easy, but we've been preparing for this for 77 years.”Sumi Som ... Show More
22m 57s
Recommended Episodes
Aug 2024
Waris Dirie
In 1987, an unknown 18 year-old Somalian model called Waris Dirie walked into the studio of renowned British photographer Terence Donovan.She had never had her picture taken before but after striking her first pose it was clear belonged in front of the lens.Although she says mode ... Show More
8m 57s
Oct 2019
The Desert Flower: Waris Dirie
How can women change a dangerous tradition? Ryan Geertsma and Liz Waid look at the life of Ethiopian model Waris Dirie. She has used her difficult past to create hope for many women.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/spotlight-english--4065149/su ... Show More
15m 1s
Jul 2020
Agnes Pareyio: Ending FGM One Girl at a Time
Bruce Gulland and Liz Waid tell about a woman who is working to stop the tradition of FGM in her community.Bruce Gulland and Liz Waid tell about a woman who is working to stop the tradition of FGM in her community.http://spotlightenglish.comSupport us on Patreon: https://www.patr ... Show More
15m 1s
Nov 2019
Hope and justice for women who’ve survived ISIS | Rabiaa El Garani
Human rights protector Rabiaa El Garani shares the challenging, heartbreaking story of sexual violence committed against Yazidi women and girls in Iraq by ISIS -- and her work seeking justice for the survivors. “These victims have been through unimaginable pain. But with a little ... Show More
14m 52s
Nov 2020
ICYMI - Nadia Murad on Surviving ISIS and Fighting Against Genocide
Nobel Peace Prize laureate and "The Last Girl" author Nadia Murad discusses advocating for survivors of genocide and sexual violence, the atrocities she faced from ISIS and being a refugee. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio. ... Show More
10m 3s
May 2024
Oppression to Empowerment | Ayaan Hirsi Ali
Born in Mogadishu, Somalia, Ayaan Hirsi Ali's journey is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit. Raised in a devout Somali Muslim family, Ayaan received a strict Muslim education and fled a forced marriage. Armed only with intellectual curiosity and unwavering determin ... Show More
1h 12m
Apr 2019
How Yasmeen Hassan Gets It Done
Yasmeen Hassan is the Global Executive Director for Equality Now, an international non-profit that has successfully pushed governments around the world to pass laws protecting women from sexual exploitation and harmful cultural practices like genital mutilation. Stella and Yasmee ... Show More
28m 4s
Jun 2014
The Women of the Arab Spring
Meet the women who are trying to be heard. Egyptian journalist Mona Eltahawy meets those who pushed through legislation enshrining gender equality in Tunisia - and asks what will it take to make the government repeal the law in Jordan that allows rapists to marry their victims. 
27m 1s