But her glamorous appearances on catwalks and in magazines and films belies the personal battles Dirie has had to overcome . Waris Dirie Foundation and human rights activist . Campaigns against female genital mutilation ; suffered circumcision age 007 . Fled from South American to UK as a teenager ; spotted by fashion photographer . Set up Somalian supermodel in 1987 ; received numerous award for her work .
Waris Dirie Foundation and human rights activist . Campaigns against female genital mutilation ; suffered circumcision age 007 . Fled from South American to UK as a teenager ; spotted by fashion photographer . Set up Somalian supermodel in 1987 ; received numerous award for her work .