Female Genitalia Mutilation

Liya Kebede

 Waris Diries

A bit surprised when I came across an article and fashion spread for Liya Kebede promoting Desert Flower a film based on the book that deals with the life of Waris Diries a top model from Somalia. In the film she is portrayed by Liya Kebede also a native of Ethiopia model turned actress. Liya Kebede's face more recognizable since was the first woman of color to be represented in the Estee Lauder campaigns. Waris Diries pictures reflect a beauty at a young age of five had her genital mutilated in what is called a right of passage.  Still being practiced in the region of Somali where Waris was born in 1965 in the region of Gallcaio.

The brief spread is titled A Woman Apart in the February issue of Marie Claire. The article discusses more about the life of Liya Kebede who has her own fascinating story as a model, mother, designer and World Health Organization Goodwill Ambassador. I am more fascinated to see her portrayal of Waris Diries on film. There is no denying her beauty when you see her pictures in the magazine and she believes in improving the life and rights of African women. I am hoping that her portrayal helps to shed light on women’s rights and the long practice of female genitalia mutilation.

What is female gential it is basically the female circumcision, the partial or total cutting away of the external female genitalia. For centuries it has been practiced in parts of Africa as a cornerstone of a young girl’s rite of passage preparing them for womanhood and marriage. This procedure is often performed without anesthetic under septic conditions by lay practitioners who have little or no knowledge of human anatomy or medicine. The procedure of female circumcision may lead to death or permanent health problems along with causing severe pain to these young women. Despite risks, its practitioners look on it as an integral part of their cultural and ethnic identity, and also perceive it as a religious obligation.₁ (Althaus, FA)

I am excited to get my hands on a copy of the book Desert Flower: The Extraordinary Journey of a Desert Nomad the memoir of a woman who survived this procedure. Who escaped to London at that the age of thirteen and became famous along with her being able to use her fame to shine a light on such a practice. The movie is set to be released February 18, 2001 before I go to the movies I plan on reading the book. Her story should help those of us who can not even image such an act being done to put our life into perspective and inspires us to help is a simple as telling another of their story’s.

Waris Dirie and Liya Kebede also bring the beautiful face of color into the light of an industry that perhaps is color shy. Shedding light on the beauty of people of African decent as they break myths on what a women of African decent should look like. The writer of the article in Marie Claire asks Liya Kebede “What do you think is the biggest misconception people have about Ethiopia? Her response "It's not just Ethiopia, but Africa in general-most of the media concentrates on what's not going well. But there is so much beauty there. When you go, it changes everything. It changes you, your life, and the way you see things. The challenge is changing the image of Africa that's been anchored in people for years now."

Liya Kebede and Waris Dirie are helping to improve the world's image of the women of Africa. Inspiring with their strength to help other women improve their lives. Putting the spot light not only on female genitalia mutilation but also on the plight of female rights violation. Take the time to read the quick article in the February issue of Marie Claire, purchase a copy of Dessert Rose, take a quick look at the website www.desertflowerfoundation.org but make sure you go see the movie February 18. Inspiration is found every where and Liya Kebede and Waris Dirie have inspired me. 

References

Connar, Katie L, M, A Woman Apart, (2011) Marie Claire, Hearst Communication, Inc, New York, NY

Althaus, Frances A. Female Circumcision: Rite of Passage Or Violation of Rights? Guttmacher Institute Retrieved January 13^th 2011

http://www.guttmacher.org/pubs/journals/2313097.html