Contrary to popular belief, she is not related to supermodel Iman. In her book Desert Flower, Dirie states that Iman's mother was good friends with her aunt, a relative with whom Waris once lived during her time in London.
We can give no more excuses for [female genital mutilation]. This is a pure crime against a child. And we are doing it ... not God or nature. (2007 U.N. press conference)
