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Waris Dirie, the renowned Somali-born supermodel, writer, and unwavering anti-female genital mutilation (FGM) activist, features prominently in the 2024 Lavazza Calendar, \"More Than Us,\" celebrating Africa through photography. This collaboration highlights not only her captivating beauty but also her resolute commitment to an important cause.   While her remarkable journey from the Somali desert to international runways is well-known, Dirie\'s true impact lies in her fight against FGM through the Desert Flower Foundation. In a recent interview with \'La Republica,\' she emphasized the role of education in combating this brutal practice, noting global progress in awareness and FGM reduction.   However, Dirie cautioned that the fight is far from over, particularly in Europe, where FGM often remains concealed. She advocated for stricter laws and medical safeguards for at-risk girls.   Dirie\'s return to the world of modeling in the context of the Lavazza Calendar symbolizes the resilience of African women. She proudly represents them in a project that acknowledges their contributions and strength.Source: 2024 Lavazza Calendar

March 3, 2023The Eye of PhotographyThe CAMERA WORK Virtual Gallery presents the fourth part of the exhibition cycle »Beauty of Women«. With 45 works by more than 20 artists from the years 1949–2018.Beauty is not only defined by ideal images, as Martin Schoeller shows perfection beyond social norms in his series »Female Bodybuilders«. A tableau of four large-format works by the ar\\st is part of the exhibition, which also devotes an entire room to the impressive career of late supermodel Tatjana Patitz.In »Beauty of Women IV,« a portrait of Mother Teresa by Yousuf Karsh and a photograph of Simone de Beauvoir by Elliott Erwitt testify to the fact that beauty, beyond appearances, is also founded in action.The exhibition also features portraits of supermodels such as Naomi Campbell, Waris Dirie, Kate Moss, and Claudia Schiffer, as well as portraits of actresses such as Monica Bellucci, Audrey Hepburn, and Angelina Jolie.It deals with various aspects of beauty and can only be visited at any time of the day in the gallery virtual room.CAMERA WORK Virtual Gallery⊙ camerawork.de/en/virtualgallery/CAMERA WORK Gallery⊙ Kantstrasse 149⊙ 10623 Berlin, Germany⊙ Tuesday to Saturday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.⊙ www.camerawork.de/en

Jan 20, 2023Vogue France“Proud Female Fitness” is the credo of Heimat by Waris Dirie. Meaning “home” in German, Heimat has teamed up with model Waris Diris to bring this brand new private fitness club to life in the former Dapper Museum dedicated to African art. Enough to highlight this link between art and sport dear to the top Somali who participated in the curation and the benevolent atmosphere of this space spread over 4 floors. Thanks to a monthly subscription system, women find themselves in this cocoon where the practice of sport is supervised by attentive coaches, more than 50 various group lessons (cardio, boxing, dance, fitness, etc.), three rooms with state-of-the-art equipment (including the Kinesis machine, one of the only two available in Paris) as well as a basement dedicated to relaxation with a jacuzzi and sauna area or even a protein smoothie bar (and cocktails for the end of the day). Most ? Scattered around the venue, works of art by African female artists are all for sale and the proceeds will go to the Waris Dirie Desert Flower Foundation which fights against excision.

Date: Sepember 4, 2021Source: Avance Media Leading African PR & Rating firm, Avance Media has announced the 2021 list of 100 Influential Women in Africa. The list which celebrates African women in leadership who inspire the next generation of women around the world is the third publication from Avance Media since 2019.The 2021 list has women from 28 African countries from various backgrounds in business leadership, academia, diplomacy, philanthropy, entertainment and media.Put together with inspiration from the 2021 International Women’s Day theme: “Achieving an equal future in a COVID-19 world\", Prince Akpah, Managing Director of Avance Media noted that, the honourees on the qualified for this deserving honour because of their works and accomplishments which continue to inspire a lot of young people across the African continent and beyond. He also noted that, the 100 influential African women were selected based on criteria that spans their leadership & personal accomplishments, commitment to sharing knowledge and the audacity to break several status quos.Some notable names on the list are UN’s Amina J. Mohammed (H.E), Sahle-Work Zewde (H.E), Samia Suluhu Hassan (H.E) presidents of Ethiopia and Tanzania respectively, Victoire Tomegah Dogbé, Prime Minister of Togo, Jessica Rose Epel Alupo (H.E), Mariam Chabi Talata (H.E.) Vice Presidents of Uganda and Benin respectively, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, World Trade Organization Director General and Angela Kyerematen-Jimoh first African Woman to head IBM’s operation in Africa as Regional Head and Executive Director.The youngest honouree to make the list for the second time is Namibia’s Deputy ICT Minister, Hon. Emma Theofelus.Profiles of the 2021 100 Most Influential African Women are published on 100women.avancemedia.orgBelow is the list of Avance Media’s 2021 100 Most Influential African Women arranged in alphabetical order1. Agnes Binagwaho (Prof) || Vice Chancellor, University of Global Health Equity2. Agnes Matilda Kalibata (Dr) || CEO, Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa3. Ahunna Eziakonwa || Director, UNDP Africa4. Aisha Yesufu || Activist5. Aja Fatoumata C.M. Jallow-Tambajang (H.E.) || Former Vice-President, Gambia6. Allen Kagina || Executive Director, Uganda National Roads Authority.7. Amina J. Mohammed (H.E) || Deputy Secretary General, United Nations8. Angela Kyerematen-Jimoh || Regional Head, IBM North, East and West Africa9. Angèle Makombo || President, League of Congolese Democrats10. Angélique Kidjo || Musician11. Anne Waiguru (H.E.) || Governor, Kirinyaga County12. Athaliah Molokomme || Permanent Representative of Botswana to the UN13. Awa Ndiaye-Seck || Resident Representative UN Women, Democratic Republic of the Congo14. Aya Nakamura || Musician15. Bethlehem Tilahun Alemu || CEO, soleRebels16. Bience Gawanas || Executive Consultant, Gawanas Consulting17. Busiswa Gqulu || Musician18. Charity Ngilu (H.E.) || Governor, Kitui County19. Chebet Chikumbu || Africa Director, Global Citizen20. Chileshe Kapwepwe (H.E.) || Secretary General, Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa21. Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie || Novelist22. Damilola Ogunbiyi || CEO, Sustainable Energy for All23. Djamila Ferdjani (Dr) || Medical Doctor, MedCom24. Dorothy Ghettuba || Content Manager for Africa, Netflix25. Dorothy Kisaka || Executive Director, Kampala Capital City Authority26. Edith Yah Brou || Blogger27. Elizabeth M. Mrema || Executive Secretary, United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity28. Ellen Johnson Sirleaf (H.E.) || Chair, EJS Centre29. Emma Theofelus || Deputy Minister, Namibia30. Eve Bazaiba || Deputy Prime Minister, DRC31. Fatima Kyari Mohammed (H.E) || Permanent Representative, African Union Mission to the UN32. Fatoumata Ba || Founder, Janngo Africa33. Faustina Fynn-Nyame || Executive Director for Africa, Children\'s Investment Fund Foundation34. Filsan Abdullahi || Minister of Gender, Children and Youth, Ethiopia35. Frehiwot Tamru || CEO, Ethio Telecom36. Gladys Kalema-Zikusoka (Dr) || CEO, Conservation Through Public Health37. Graça Machel || Founder, Graca Machel Trust38. Hindou Oumarou Ibrahim || Coordinator, Association of Peul Women and Autochthonous Peoples of Chad39. Ifeyinwa Ugochukwu || CEO, Tony Elumelu Foundation40. Irene Asare || Global HR Director, CarvinClay People Development41. Jacqueline Fatima Bocoum || Journalist42. Jacqueline Moudeïna || Lawyer43. Jeannette Kagame (H.E) || First Lady, Rwanda44. Jessica Rose Epel Alupo (H.E) || Vice President, Uganda45. Julienne Lusenge || President, Female Solidarity for Integrated Peace and Development46. Julitta Onabanjo (Dr) || Regional Director, UNFPA East and Southern Africa47. Kaba Nialé || Minister of Planning and Development, Ivory Coast48. Kemi Omololu-Olunloyo (Dr.) || Journalist49. Laureen Kouassi-Olsson || Founder & CEO, Birimian Holding50. Letty Chiwara || Representative to Ethiopia, AU & ECA, UN Women51. Louise Mushikiwabo || Secretary General, Organisation internationale de la Francophonie52. Mamokgethi Phakeng (Prof.) || Vice Chancellor, University of Cape Town53. Mariam Chabi Talata (H.E.) || Vice President, Benin54. Martha Ama A. Pobee (H.E.) || Assist. Secretary-General for Africa, UN55. Martha K Koome (Lady Justice) || Chief Justice, Kenya56. Mary-Jane Morifi || Chief Corporate Affairs & Sustainability Officer, Tiger Brands57. Matshidiso Moeti (Dr) || Regional Director for Africa, WHO58. Mercy Johnson || Actress59. Mitwa Kaemba Ng\'ambi || CEO, MTN Rwanda60. Monde Muyangwa (Dr.) || Director of the Africa Program, Woodrow Wilson Center61. Monique Nsanzabaganwa (H.E.) || Deputy Chairperson, African Union Commission62. Musonda Xoliswa Mumba (Dr) || Chief of the Terrestrial Ecosystems, UNEP63. Mwele Malecela || Director of Neglected Tropical Diseases, WHO64. Nabou Fall || CEO, Vizeo65. Nadeen Ashraf || Activist66. Nafissatou Jocelyne Diop || Chief of Gender and Human Rights, United Nations Population Fund67. Nancy Matimu || Managing Director, MultiChoice Kenya68. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala || Director General, World Trade Organization69. Nnenna Nwakanma || Chief Web Advocate, WWW Foundation70. Nyaradzayi Gumbonzvanda || Chairperson, ActionAid International71. Omotola Jalade Ekeinde || Actress72. Oulimata Sarr || Regional Director West and Central Africa, UN Women73. Owen Omogiafo || CEO, Transcorp Group74. Patricia Obo-Nai || CEO, Vodafone Ghana75. Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka || Executive Director, UN Women76. Rasha Kelej (Dr) || CEO, Merck Foundation77. Renée Ngamau || Chairperson, Amnesty International Kenya78. Roberta Annan || Founder, Africa Fashion Foundation79. Rose Mwebaza || Director, UN Climate Technology Centre and Network80. Rosebell Kagumire || Editor, African Feminism81. Roselyn Akombe (Dr) || Governance and Peacebuilding Regional Coordinator, UNDP Africa82. Sahle-Work Zewde (H.E) || President, Ethiopia83. Samia Suluhu Hassan (H.E) || President, Tanzania84. Sheila Ochugboju (Dr) || Head, Strategic Communications, Africa CDC85. Sola David-Borha || Group CEO, Standard Bank Africa86. Stella Nyanzi (Dr.) || Convenor, Women\'s Protest Uganda87. Stigmata Tenga (Dr.) || Executive Director, Africa Philanthropy Network88. Tiguidanke Camara || CEO, Tigui Mining Group89. Titi Akinsanmi || Policy and Government Relations Lead, Google90. Tsitsi Dangarembga || Author91. Ubah Ali || Activist92. Uche Ofodile || CEO, MTN Benin93. Victoire Tomegah Dogbé || Prime Minister, Togo94. Wanjira Mathai || Regional Director for Africa, World Resources Institute95. Wanjiru Kamau-Rutenberg (Dr) || Director, African Women in Agricultural Research and Development (AWARD)96. Waris Dirie || CEO, Desert Flower Foundation97. Winnie Byanyima || Executive Director, UNAIDS98. Yemisi Akinbobola (Dr) || Co-Founder, African Women in Media99. Yolanda Cuba || Chief Digital and Fintech Officer, MTN Group 100. Zainab Hawa Bangura || Director General, United Nations Office at Nairobi

THE MOST TRANSLATED BOOKS IN AFRICAAnother fable makes the list on the African continent: The Upright Revolution: Or Why Humans Walk Upright by Kenyan author Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o has been published in more than 60 languages. These short tales that give insight into the human condition seem to have universal appeal, making them attractive as translation options.Angola: The Book of Chameleons by José Eduardo AgualusaBotswana: Maru by Bessie HeadBurundi: Petit Pays by Gaël FayeCameroon: Houseboy by Ferdinand OyonoCape Verde: The Last Will and Testament of Senhor da Silva by Araújo Germano AlmeidaCongo: Broken Glass by Alain MabanckouCôte d’Ivoire: Allah is not Obliged by Ahmadou KouroumaDemocratic Republic of the Congo: Tram 83 by Mwanza MujilaDjibouti: Passage of Tears by Abdourahman A WaberiEgypt: Women at Point Zero by Nawal El SaadawiEthiopia: The Beautiful Things That Heaven Bears by Dinaw MengestuGhana: The Beautyful Ones are Not Yet Born by Ayi Kwei ArmahGuinea: The African Child by Camara LayeGuinea-Bissau: The Ultimate Tragedy by Abdulai SilaKenya: The Upright Revolution: Or Why Humans Walk Upright by Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’oLesotho: Chaka by Thomas MofoloLiberia: The House at Sugar Beach by Helene CooperLibya: In The Country of Men by Hisham MatarMadagascar: The Palace by Claude SimonMalawi: The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind by William KamkwambaMali: Kaïdara: récit initiatique peul by Amadou Hampaté BâMauritania: Guantánamo Diary by Mohamedou Ould SlahiMauritius: The Last Brother by Nathacha AppanahMorocco: Racism Explained to My Daughter by Tahar Ben JellounMozambique: Sleepwalking Land by Mia CoutoNigeria: Things Fall Apart by Chinua AchebeRwanda: Left to Tell: One Woman’s Story of Surviving the Rwandan Genocide by Immaculée IlibagizaSenegal: God’s Bits of Wood by Ousmane SembèneSierra Leone: Long Way Gone: Memoirs of a Boy Soldier by Ishmael BeahSomalia: Desert Flower by Waris DirieSouth Africa: The Hobbit by J. R. R. TolkienSudan: Season of Migration to the North by Tayeb SalihTanzania: Paradise by Abdulrazak GurnahUganda: Chroniques Abyssiniennes by Moses IsegawaZambia: River God by Wilbur SmithZimbabwe: We Need New Names by NoViolet Bulawayo

The project Desert Flower Center Waldfriede (DFC) came into being out of clinical necessity, as many women in Germany also suffer from the health and psychological consequences of FGM. The project was realized in cooperation with the Desert Flower Foundation under the patronage of former model Waris Dirie and her manager, Walter Lutschinger, in December 2011, as it became clear that purely preventive work did not meet the needs of those affected.Our goal is to offer wholistic medical care to women suffering from the consequences of genital mutilation. This includes not only surgical interventions and reconstructive operations but also psychological and physiotherapeutic help. We also offer a self-help group that meets once a month at Waldfriede Hospital.A Lifeline for Affected WomenSince the opening in September 2013, more than 600 women have sought our medical help. Surgery was necessary for half of them.A stable solution has also been found in the meantime for the financial settlement of problematic cases. An operation costs around 2,000 to 4,000 euros. For people with statutory health insurance, the costs are covered by health insurance. However, since we also want to treat people who are not insured, we have founded the Förderverein Waldfriede e.V. (Waldfriede Association). The association, financed by donations, supports or assumes the costs in these cases.Since January 2015 we have been conducting support group meetings once a month. Both women whom we have already treated and those still looking for help come to the meetings. In a protected setting, the women can exchange experiences and learn that they are not alone with their fears and worries. Sometimes affected women talk about their fate, or women who have already undergone reoperation talk about their experiences.A Wholistic ApproachThe most important measure in the fight against FGM is widespread education and schooling of children, locally, in their home countries. In general, the public should be sensitized to the issue. Information on FGM should be bundled and further developed on an interdisciplinary basis, and professional competencies should be strengthened. To this end, in 2020, we founded the Berlin FGM Coordination Office. The coordination office aims to link existing services in Berlin and expand them according to need, train professionals in dealing with the issue, and strengthen awareness-raising activities in communities.In the sense of wholistic support, the coordination office offers psychological support and psycho­social group services for those affected, in addition to medical counseling and treatment.To this end, the coordination center focuses on raising awareness among professionals, and qualifies them for dealing with those affected. A hotline also offers the first point of contact and counseling for affected persons and professionals and enables simple and low-threshold mediation.As we receive many inquiries about shadowing at the Desert Flower Center, we have been offering an FGM-intensive seminar for colleagues, midwives, and nursing professionals, twice a year since 2018.An Honorable EnterpriseAs medical coordinator and senior physician of the Desert Flower Center Waldfriede, I am the first person the women get in touch with by phone or e-mail. The fact alone that these often very emotional preliminary talks, and the medical examination, take place in a trusting environment from woman to woman, makes it easier for them to open up to me.In the counseling session, problems presented are dealt with individually. It is not always about an operation. Some want to talk to our psychotherapist or join our self-help group. Others need a medical certificate for their ongoing asylum procedure. It is important to take time for a detailed anamnesis and examination and respond to the patients’ needs, thus alleviating their fears and addressing their concerns.As a specialist in our department, I am grateful to be able to be engaged in such a noble endeavor at the Desert Flower Center Waldfriede. The many positive responses encourage me to continue in this highly important work.ResourcesIn October 2020 we published the first German-language reference book on FGM. We aim to share our experiences with this complex issue and provide assistance for all professions in coping with the multifaceted problems of circumcised women. That month the center also published the first issue of the new Desert Flower magazine. In it we provided a detailed overview of the task, and our projects,and successes, in the worldwide fight against FGM. The magazine is available in German, English, and French.Giving Lives BackA major problem at the beginning was intercultural perception and communication. We are delighted to now have two employed counselors/interpreters, in addition to volunteer counselors, who help us and the women we serve to overcome these nonverbal hurdles. With Evelyn Brenda (born in Kenya) and Farhia Mohamed (born in Somalia), we have two therapists on the team who can work psychotherapeutically both in German and in their respective mother tongues.All the women tell us how valuable this sense of community within the self-help group is for them. There they can often talk about their worries and experiences for the first time in their lives—in a protected setting among like-minded people. At these meetings we are always aware that our work with the women is much more than just a job.When they come together, there is always a very warm atmosphere. We all call each other by our first names, and especially the women who have already been treated are bursting with self-confidence. In these moments we realize how much this task fulfills us and what the team at the Desert Flower Center Waldfriede achieves. Here women are literally given their lives back.

The Sunhak Peace Prize Committee announced Laureates for the Sunhak Peace Prize for 2019 – Waris Dirie and Dr. Akinwumi Ayodeji Adesina.Waris Dirie, a human rights activist and super-model, is widely acclaimed for raising worldwide awareness of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM). As an agricultural economist, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina has been promoting Good Governance in Africa through agricultural innovation for over 30 years and greatly contributed to food security in Africa.Warisi Dirie was born into a nomad family and she was subjected to FGM at the age of 5. In 1997, she shared her experience to the world and was appointed as the Special Ambassador to the UN for the Elimination of FGM.In 2002, she established the Desert Flower Foundation and in 2003, her anti-FGM campaign led 15 African Union member countries to ratify the Maputo Protocol which promotes eradication of FGM. In 2012, the UN unanimously passed a resolution banning the practice of FGM, and the UN has set a goal to eliminate FGM by 2030.[Original News]

22 NOVEMBRE 2018Waris Dirie, a human rights activist and super-model, is widely acclaimed for raising worldwide awareness of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM). As an agricultural economist, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina has been promoting Good Governance in Africa through agricultural innovation for over 30 years and greatly contributed to food security in Africa.Warisi Dirie was born into a nomad family and she was subjected to FGM at the age of 5. In 1997, she shared her experience to the world and was appointed as the Special Ambassador to the UN for the Elimination of FGM.In 2002, she established the Desert Flower Foundation and in 2003, her anti-FGM campaign led 15 African Union member countries to ratify the Maputo Protocol which promotes eradication of FGM. In 2012, the UN unanimously passed a resolution banning the practice of FGM, and the UN has set a goal to eliminate FGM by 2030.Another laureate Dr. Akinwumi Adesina pioneered in expanding rice production, increasing the availability of credit for smallholder farmers, attracting private investments for the agricultural sector, rooting out the corrupt elements in the fertilizer industry, and establishing the major agricultural policies.For the 2006 Africa Fertilizer Summit, he was instrumental in developing the Abuja Declaration on Fertilizer for the African Green Revolution, stating eradication of hunger in Africa, by 2030.Dr. Akinwumi Adesina currently serves as the president of the African Development Bank Group, promoting the “High 5 Strategy”, which is improving lives of millions of people throughout Africa.Dr. Il Sik Hong, Chairman of the Sunhak Committee, stated that “the Sunhak Peace Prize was established based upon the vision of ‘One Family Under God’ and the Sunhak Peace Prize for 2019 gives special attention to human rights and human development in Africa.”The Sunhak Peace Prize honors individuals and organizations who have made significant contributions to the peace and the welfare of the future generations. The Sunhak Peace Prize includes a cash prize totaling one million US dollars and the Award Ceremony will take place in February, 2019 in Seoul, Korea.[Original News]

Published : Friday, November 23, 2018, 7:00 amCAPE TOWN, South Africa, Nov. 23, 2018 /PRNewswire/ Waris Dirie, a human rights activist and super-model, is widely acclaimed for raising worldwide awareness of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM). As an agricultural economist, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina has been promoting Good Governance in Africa through agricultural innovation for over 30 years and greatly contributed to food security in Africa.Waris Dirie, a human rights activist and super-model Warisi Dirie was born into a nomad family and she was subjected to FGM at the age of 5. In 1997, she shared her experience to the world and was appointed as the Special Ambassador to the UN for the Elimination of FGM.In 2002, she established the Desert Flower Foundation and in 2003, her anti-FGM campaign led 15 African Union member countries to ratify the Maputo Protocol which promotes eradication of FGM. In 2012, the UN unanimously passed a resolution banning the practice of FGM, and the UN has set a goal to eliminate FGM by 2030.Another laureate Dr. Akinwumi Adesina pioneered in expanding rice production, increasing the availability of credit for smallholder farmers, attracting private investments for the agricultural sector, rooting out the corrupt elements in the fertilizer industry, and establishing the major agricultural policies.Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, the President of the African Development Bank Group For the 2006 Africa Fertilizer Summit, he was instrumental in developing the Abuja Declaration on Fertilizer for the African Green Revolution, stating eradication of hunger in Africa, by 2030.Dr. Akinwumi Adesina currently serves as the president of the African Development Bank Group, promoting the \"High 5 Strategy\", which is improving lives of millions of people throughout Africa.Dr. Il Sik Hong, Chairman of the Sunhak Committee, stated that \"the Sunhak Peace Prize was established based upon the vision of \'One Family Under God\' and the Sunhak Peace Prize for 2019 gives special attention to human rights and human development in Africa.\"The Sunhak Peace Prize honors individuals and organizations who have made significant contributions to the peace and the welfare of the future generations. The Sunhak Peace Prize includes a cash prize totaling one million US dollars and the Award Ceremony will take place in February, 2019 in Seoul, Korea.[Original News]

22 Novembre 2018 Waris Dirie, a human rights activist and super-model, is widely acclaimed for raising worldwide awareness of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM). As an agricultural economist, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina has been promoting Good Governance in Africa through agricultural innovation for over 30 years and greatly contributed to food security in Africa.Warisi Dirie was born into a nomad family and she was subjected to FGM at the age of 5. In 1997, she shared her experience to the world and was appointed as the Special Ambassador to the UN for the Elimination of FGM.In 2002, she established the Desert Flower Foundation and in 2003, her anti-FGM campaign led 15 African Union member countries to ratify the Maputo Protocol which promotes eradication of FGM. In 2012, the UN unanimously passed a resolution banning the practice of FGM, and the UN has set a goal to eliminate FGM by 2030.Another laureate Dr. Akinwumi Adesina pioneered in expanding rice production, increasing the availability of credit for smallholder farmers, attracting private investments for the agricultural sector, rooting out the corrupt elements in the fertilizer industry, and establishing the major agricultural policies.For the 2006 Africa Fertilizer Summit, he was instrumental in developing the Abuja Declaration on Fertilizer for the African Green Revolution, stating eradication of hunger in Africa, by 2030.Dr. Akinwumi Adesina currently serves as the president of the African Development Bank Group, promoting the \"High 5 Strategy\", which is improving lives of millions of people throughout Africa.Dr. Il Sik Hong, Chairman of the Sunhak Committee, stated that \"the Sunhak Peace Prize was established based upon the vision of \'One Family Under God\' and the Sunhak Peace Prize for 2019 gives special attention to human rights and human development in Africa.\"The Sunhak Peace Prize honors individuals and organizations who have made significant contributions to the peace and the welfare of the future generations. The Sunhak Peace Prize includes a cash prize totaling one million US dollars and the Award Ceremony will take place in February, 2019 in Seoul, Korea.Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/785992/Waris_Dirie.jpgPhoto: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/785993/Dr_Akinwumi_Adesina.jpg [Original News]

Pubblicato il: 22/11/2018 18:01CAPE TOWN, South Africa, Nov. 22, 2018/PRNewswire/ -- The Sunhak Peace Prize Committee announced Laureates for the Sunhak Peace Prize for 2019 - Waris Dirie and Dr. Akinwumi Ayodeji Adesina. Waris Dirie, a human rights activist and super-model, is widely acclaimed for raising worldwide awareness of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM). As an agricultural economist, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina has been promoting Good Governance in Africa through agricultural innovation for over 30 years and greatly contributed to food security in Africa.Warisi Dirie was born into a nomad family and she was subjected to FGM at the age of 5. In 1997, she shared her experience to the world and was appointed as the Special Ambassador to the UN for the Elimination of FGM.In 2002, she established the Desert Flower Foundation and in 2003, her anti-FGM campaign led 15 African Union member countries to ratify the Maputo Protocol which promotes eradication of FGM. In 2012, the UN unanimously passed a resolution banning the practice of FGM, and the UN has set a goal to eliminate FGM by 2030.Another laureate Dr. Akinwumi Adesina pioneered in expanding rice production, increasing the availability of credit for smallholder farmers, attracting private investments for the agricultural sector, rooting out the corrupt elements in the fertilizer industry, and establishing the major agricultural policies.For the 2006 Africa Fertilizer Summit, he was instrumental in developing the Abuja Declaration on Fertilizer for the African Green Revolution, stating eradication of hunger in Africa, by 2030.Dr. Akinwumi Adesina currently serves as the president of the African Development Bank Group, promoting the \"High 5 Strategy\", which is improving lives of millions of people throughout Africa.Dr. Il Sik Hong, Chairman of the Sunhak Committee, stated that \"the Sunhak Peace Prize was established based upon the vision of \'One Family Under God\' and the Sunhak Peace Prize for 2019 gives special attention to human rights and human development in Africa.\"The Sunhak Peace Prize honors individuals and organizations who have made significant contributions to the peace and the welfare of the future generations. The Sunhak Peace Prize includes a cash prize totaling one million US dollars and the Award Ceremony will take place in February, 2019 in Seoul, Korea.[Original News]

PR NewswireCAPE TOWN, South Africa, Nov. 22, 2018Waris Dirie, a human rights activist and super-model, is widely acclaimed for raising worldwide awareness of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM). As an agricultural economist, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina has been promoting Good Governance in Africa through agricultural innovation for over 30 years and greatly contributed to food security in Africa.Photo - https://photos.prnasia.com/prnh/20181116/2301301-1-aWarisi Dirie was born into a nomad family and she was subjected to FGM at the age of 5. In 1997, she shared her experience to the world and was appointed as the Special Ambassador to the UN for the Elimination of FGM.In 2002, she established the Desert Flower Foundation and in 2003, her anti-FGM campaign led 15 African Union member countries to ratify the Maputo Protocol which promotes eradication of FGM. In 2012, the UN unanimously passed a resolution banning the practice of FGM, and the UN has set a goal to eliminate FGM by 2030.Another laureate Dr. Akinwumi Adesina pioneered in expanding rice production, increasing the availability of credit for smallholder farmers, attracting private investments for the agricultural sector, rooting out the corrupt elements in the fertilizer industry, and establishing the major agricultural policies.Photo - https://photos.prnasia.com/prnh/20181116/2301301-1-bFor the 2006 Africa Fertilizer Summit, he was instrumental in developing the Abuja Declaration on Fertilizer for the African Green Revolution, stating eradication of hunger in Africa, by 2030.Dr. Akinwumi Adesina currently serves as the president of the African Development Bank Group, promoting the \"High 5 Strategy\", which is improving lives of millions of people throughout Africa.Dr. Il Sik Hong, Chairman of the Sunhak Committee, stated that \"the Sunhak Peace Prize was established based upon the vision of \'One Family Under God\' and the Sunhak Peace Prize for 2019 gives special attention to human rights and human development in Africa.\"The Sunhak Peace Prize honors individuals and organizations who have made significant contributions to the peace and the welfare of the future generations. The Sunhak Peace Prize includes a cash prize totaling one million US dollars and the Award Ceremony will take place in February, 2019 in Seoul, Korea.[Original News]

PR NewswireCAPE TOWN, South Africa, Nov. 22, 2018Waris Dirie, a human rights activist and super-model, is widely acclaimed for raising worldwide awareness of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM). As an agricultural economist, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina has been promoting Good Governance in Africa through agricultural innovation for over 30 years and greatly contributed to food security in Africa.Warisi Dirie was born into a nomad family and she was subjected to FGM at the age of 5. In 1997, she shared her experience to the world and was appointed as the Special Ambassador to the UN for the Elimination of FGM.In 2002, she established the Desert Flower Foundation and in 2003, her anti-FGM campaign led 15 African Union member countries to ratify the Maputo Protocol which promotes eradication of FGM. In 2012, the UN unanimously passed a resolution banning the practice of FGM, and the UN has set a goal to eliminate FGM by 2030.Another laureate Dr. Akinwumi Adesina pioneered in expanding rice production, increasing the availability of credit for smallholder farmers, attracting private investments for the agricultural sector, rooting out the corrupt elements in the fertilizer industry, and establishing the major agricultural policies.For the 2006 Africa Fertilizer Summit, he was instrumental in developing the Abuja Declaration on Fertilizer for the African Green Revolution, stating eradication of hunger in Africa, by 2030.Dr. Akinwumi Adesina currently serves as the president of the African Development Bank Group, promoting the \"High 5 Strategy\", which is improving lives of millions of people throughout Africa.Dr. Il Sik Hong, Chairman of the Sunhak Committee, stated that \"the Sunhak Peace Prize was established based upon the vision of \'One Family Under God\' and the Sunhak Peace Prize for 2019 gives special attention to human rights and human development in Africa.\"The Sunhak Peace Prize honors individuals and organizations who have made significant contributions to the peace and the welfare of the future generations. The Sunhak Peace Prize includes a cash prize totaling one million US dollars and the Award Ceremony will take place in February, 2019 in Seoul, Korea.[Original News]

Nov 23, 2018CAPE TOWN, South Africa, Nov. 23, 2018 /PRNewswire/ Waris Dirie, a human rights activist and super-model, is widely acclaimed for raising worldwide awareness of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM). As an agricultural economist, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina has been promoting Good Governance in Africa through agricultural innovation for over 30 years and greatly contributed to food security in Africa. Warisi Dirie was born into a nomad family and she was subjected to FGM at the age of 5. In 1997, she shared her experience to the world and was appointed as the Special Ambassador to the UN for the Elimination of FGM.In 2002, she established the Desert Flower Foundation and in 2003, her anti-FGM campaign led 15 African Union member countries to ratify the Maputo Protocol which promotes eradication of FGM. In 2012, the UN unanimously passed a resolution banning the practice of FGM, and the UN has set a goal to eliminate FGM by 2030.Another laureate Dr. Akinwumi Adesina pioneered in expanding rice production, increasing the availability of credit for smallholder farmers, attracting private investments for the agricultural sector, rooting out the corrupt elements in the fertilizer industry, and establishing the major agricultural policies. For the 2006 Africa Fertilizer Summit, he was instrumental in developing the Abuja Declaration on Fertilizer for the African Green Revolution, stating eradication of hunger in Africa, by 2030.Dr. Akinwumi Adesina currently serves as the president of the African Development Bank Group, promoting the \"High 5 Strategy\", which is improving lives of millions of people throughout Africa.Dr. Il Sik Hong, Chairman of the Sunhak Committee, stated that \"the Sunhak Peace Prize was established based upon the vision of \'One Family Under God\' and the Sunhak Peace Prize for 2019 gives special attention to human rights and human development in Africa.\"The Sunhak Peace Prize honors individuals and organizations who have made significant contributions to the peace and the welfare of the future generations. The Sunhak Peace Prize includes a cash prize totaling one million US dollars and the Award Ceremony will take place on February, 2019 in Seoul, Korea.[Original News]

CAPE TOWN, South Africa, Nov. 22, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- The Sunhak Peace Prize Committee announced Laureates for the Sunhak Peace Prize for 2019 - Waris Dirie and Dr. Akinwumi Ayodeji Adesina.Waris Dirie, a human rights activist and super-model, is widely acclaimed for raising worldwide awareness of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM). As an agricultural economist, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina has been promoting Good Governance in Africa through agricultural innovation for over 30 years and greatly contributed to food security in Africa.https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/785992/Waris_Dirie.jpg [https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/785992/Waris_Dirie.jpg]Warisi Dirie was born into a nomad family and she was subjected to FGM at the age of 5. In 1997, she shared her experience to the world and was appointed as the Special Ambassador to the UN for the Elimination of FGM.In 2002, she established the Desert Flower Foundation and in 2003, her anti-FGM campaign led 15 African Union member countries to ratify the Maputo Protocol which promotes eradication of FGM. In 2012, the UN unanimously passed a resolution banning the practice of FGM, and the UN has set a goal to eliminate FGM by 2030.Another laureate Dr. Akinwumi Adesina pioneered in expanding rice production, increasing the availability of credit for smallholder farmers, attracting private investments for the agricultural sector, rooting out the corrupt elements in the fertilizer industry, and establishing the major agricultural policies.https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/785993/Dr_Akinwumi_Adesina.jpg [https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/785993/Dr_Akinwumi_Adesina.jpg]For the 2006 Africa Fertilizer Summit, he was instrumental in developing the Abuja Declaration on Fertilizer for the African Green Revolution, stating eradication of hunger in Africa, by 2030.Dr. Akinwumi Adesina currently serves as the president of the African Development Bank Group, promoting the \"High 5 Strategy\", which is improving lives of millions of people throughout Africa.Dr. Il Sik Hong, Chairman of the Sunhak Committee, stated that \"the Sunhak Peace Prize was established based upon the vision of \'One Family Under God\' and the Sunhak Peace Prize for 2019 gives special attention to human rights and human development in Africa.\"The Sunhak Peace Prize honors individuals and organizations who have made significant contributions to the peace and the welfare of the future generations. The Sunhak Peace Prize includes a cash prize totaling one million US dollars and the Award Ceremony will take place in February, 2019 in Seoul, Korea.[Original News]

(CAPE TOWN, South Africa, Nov. 23, 2018 PRNewswire=연합뉴스) The Sunhak Peace Prize Committee announced Laureates for the Sunhak Peace Prize for 2019 - Waris Dirie and Dr. Akinwumi Ayodeji Adesina. Waris Dirie, a human rights activist and super-model, is widely acclaimed for raising worldwide awareness of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM). As an agricultural economist, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina has been promoting Good Governance in Africa through agricultural innovation for over 30 years and greatly contributed to food security in Africa. Warisi Dirie was born into a nomad family and she was subjected to FGM at the age of 5. In 1997, she shared her experience to the world and was appointed as the Special Ambassador to the UN for the Elimination of FGM. In 2002, she established the Desert Flower Foundation and in 2003, her anti-FGM campaign led 15 African Union member countries to ratify the Maputo Protocol which promotes eradication of FGM. In 2012, the UN unanimously passed a resolution banning the practice of FGM, and the UN has set a goal to eliminate FGM by 2030. Another laureate Dr. Akinwumi Adesina pioneered in expanding rice production, increasing the availability of credit for smallholder farmers, attracting private investments for the agricultural sector, rooting out the corrupt elements in the fertilizer industry, and establishing the major agricultural policies. For the 2006 Africa Fertilizer Summit, he was instrumental in developing the Abuja Declaration on Fertilizer for the African Green Revolution, stating eradication of hunger in Africa, by 2030. Dr. Akinwumi Adesina currently serves as the president of the African Development Bank Group, promoting the \"High 5 Strategy\", which is improving lives of millions of people throughout Africa. Dr. Il Sik Hong, Chairman of the Sunhak Committee, stated that \"the Sunhak Peace Prize was established based upon the vision of \'One Family Under God\' and the Sunhak Peace Prize for 2019 gives special attention to human rights and human development in Africa.\" The Sunhak Peace Prize honors individuals and organizations who have made significant contributions to the peace and the welfare of the future generations. The Sunhak Peace Prize includes a cash prize totaling one million US dollars and the Award Ceremony will take place in February, 2019 in Seoul, Korea.Photo - https://photos.prnasia.com/prnh/20181116/2301301-1-aWaris Dirie, a human rights activist and super-model Photo - https://photos.prnasia.com/prnh/20181116/2301301-1-bDr. Akinwumi Adesina, the President of the African Development Bank Group Source: The Sunhak Peace Prize Committee[Original News]

Nigeria’s former Minister of Agriculture and President of the African Development Bank (AfDB), Dr Akinwumi Adesina, and Human Rights Activist, Waris Dirie have bagged the 2019 Sunhak Peace Prize Award.The Laureate Announcement was made known today, Thursday, in Cape Town, South Africa.The 53-year-old Adesina is being honoured for his commitment to the eradication of poverty through agricultural innovation, and promoting Good Governance through the works of developing Africa’s economy while the 58-year-old Waris Dirie, a human rights activist and super-model recognized across the globe, is being honoured for her work to eliminate the practice of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM).“As an agricultural economist, Dr Akinwumi Adesina has been a leader in agricultural innovation for over 30 years. He has contributed greatly to food security in Africa, aimed at improving the lives of millions currently living in poverty, throughout the African continent. The Sunhak Committee acknowledges Dr Akinwumi Adesina’s achievements in promoting Good Governance through the works of improving Africa’s economies and lifting millions of rural and poor farmers out of poverty.“Waris Dirie is widely acclaimed for raising awareness throughout the world, about the tragic practice which is still prevalent in some parts of the world, Female Genital Mutilation (FGM). The Sunhak Peace Prize Committee selected Waris Dirie in recognition of her tireless advocacy for the rights of girls and women, and her call for a worldwide resolution calling for the eradication of FGM, thereby protecting girls who are at the risk of FGM,” Sunhak said.The Sunhak Peace Prize Committee added, that “both laureates have made a significant contribution to improving the quality of life of the most vulnerable in Africa.”“The Sunhak Peace Prize Committee recognizes the immense importance of Africa, observes that Africa is undergoing rapid change and development, while also facing challenges. These Laureates have made dramatic contributions to Africa’s growth and development,” they added.Warisi Dirie was born into a goat-herding nomad family in Somalia. She was subjected to female circumcision at the age of 5. In 1997, when her fashion career was at its peak, as a world-class supermodel, she shared her experience with the world. She became a voice for the voiceless. Her story shocked and at the same time enlightened people around the world about the tragic reality of FGM.This brave start led her to become a human rights activist to end the barbaric practice that is thriving in Africa. She was then appointed as a first Special Ambassador to the United Nations for the Elimination of Female Genital Mutilation in 1997. Since then, she has been putting tireless efforts in anti-FGM Campaign, upholding the rights of women and girls.As a result of her efforts, 15 African Union member-countries ratified the “Maputo Protocol” in 2003, which lists FGM as a harmful practice that must be ended. In 2012, the United Nations General Assembly unanimously passed a resolution banning the practice of FGM, and the UN has set a goal to eliminate FGM by 2030. This innovative milestone saved the lives of millions of girls who were at the risk the violent practice.According to the World Health Organization (WHO), over 200 million girls and women have been affected by FGM, which is prevalent in more than 30 countries, including parts of Africa and the Middle East. Moreover, the practice threatens the lives of millions of girls. Also, due to the increase of the immigration rates, countries in Europe, the USA and Asia are affected by FGM practices. This barbaric practice is a crime and against humanity, which often causes infertility, problems with urination, high blood loss, infections and in some cases even death.In 2013, Waris Dirie’s Desert Flower Foundation partnered with Waldfriede hospital and started the first Desert Flower Center to provide a comprehensive cure for victims of FGM. In 2014, Desert Flower Center started Training Center to provide FGM reconstructive surgery education to doctors and obstetricians, these centers provide reconstructive surgeries for the victims of FGM. In addition, she is at the forefront in helping victims of FGM improve their lives through “basic literacy education” and “career education.” Recently, she opened an elementary school in Sierra Leone, and launched companies in Ethiopia and Kenya to provide employment to thousands.Dr Adesina was born on February 6, 1960. Before his appointment as minister in 2010, he was Vice President of Policy and Partnerships for the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa. He has been a leader in agricultural innovation in Africa for over 30 years, bringing significant improvements to Africa’s food security. His leadership is building stepping-stones for Africa’s dynamic growth. He is the eighth president of the AfDB.He pioneered major transformations in the agricultural field, including expanding rice production by introducing high yielding technologies, designing and implementing policies to support farmers’ access to technologies at scale, increasing the availability of credit for millions of smallholder farmers, attracting private investments for the agricultural sector, rooting out the corrupt elements in the fertilizer industry, and assisting in establishment of major agricultural policies for Africa’s green revolution.The “Africa Fertilizer Summit,” which he organized in 2006, was one of the largest high-level meetings in history that had a focus on solving Africa’s food issues. During this Summit, Dr. Adesina was instrumental in developing the “Abuja Declaration on Fertilizer for the African Green Revolution,” whereby the participants stated their commitment to the “eradication of hunger in Africa, by 2030.”Dr Adesina worked with various banks and international NGOs in order to create an innovative financing system, providing loans to smallholder farmers, providing a way for them to rise out of poverty. This move leveraged $100 million in loans and provided opportunities for smallholder farmers to increase their agricultural productivity, and their income.He currently serves as the president of the African Development Bank Group which plays a central role in Africa’s development. As an “economic commander” of Africa, he promotes the “High 5 Strategy” that include: light up and power Africa, feed Africa, industrialize Africa, integrate Africa and improve the quality of life for the people of Africa. As a result of his work, the lives of millions of people throughout Africa have been improved.Chairman of the Sunhak Peace Prize Committee, Dr Il Sik Hong, stated that “the Sunhak Peace Prize was established based upon the vision of ‘One Family Under God.’ The 2019 Sunhak Peace Prize gives special attention to peace and human development in Africa.”Dr Hong added “in order for us to build an era of peace and coexistence in the 21st century, we want to encourage continuous development in Africa. Africa is a rising star and its growth will contribute to global progress and development throughout the 21st century.”The Sunhak Peace Prize honours individuals and organizations who have made significant contributions to the peace and the welfare of the future generations. The Sunhak Peace Prize includes a cash prize totaling one million dollars. The 2019 Sunhak Peace Prize Award Ceremony will take place in February, 2019 in Seoul, Korea.​

CAPE TOWN, South Africa, Nov. 22, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- The Sunhak Peace Prize Committee announced Laureates for the Sunhak Peace Prize for 2019 - Waris Dirie and Dr. Akinwumi Ayodeji Adesina. Waris Dirie, a human rights activist and super-model, is widely acclaimed for raising worldwide awareness of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM).As an agricultural economist, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina has been promoting Good Governance in Africa through agricultural innovation for over 30 years and greatly contributed to food security in Africa. Waris Dirie was born into a nomad family and she was subjected to FGM at the age of 5. In 1997, she shared her experience with the world and was appointed as the Special Ambassador to the UN for the Elimination of FGM. In 2002, she established the Desert Flower Foundation and in 2003, her anti-FGM campaign led 15 African Union member countries to ratify the Maputo Protocol which promotes the eradication of FGM. In 2012, the UN unanimously passed a resolution banning the practice of FGM, and the UN has set a goal to eliminate FGM by 2030.Another laureate Dr. Akinwumi Adesina pioneered in expanding rice production, increasing the availability of credit for smallholder farmers, attracting private investments for the agricultural sector, rooting out the corrupt elements in the fertilizer industry, and establishing the major agricultural policies.For the 2006 Africa Fertilizer Summit, he was instrumental in developing the Abuja Declaration on Fertilizer for the African Green Revolution, stating eradication of hunger in Africa, by 2030.Dr. Akinwumi Adesina currently serves as the president of the African Development Bank Group, promoting the \"High 5 Strategy\", which is improving the lives of millions of people throughout Africa.Dr. Il Sik Hong, Chairman of the Sunhak Committee, stated that \"the Sunhak Peace Prize was established based upon the vision of \'One Family Under God\' and the Sunhak Peace Prize for 2019 gives special attention to human rights and human development in Africa.\"The Sunhak Peace Prize honors individuals and organizations who have made significant contributions to the peace and the welfare of future generations. The Sunhak Peace Prize includes a cash prize totaling one million US dollars and the Award Ceremony will take place in February 2019 in Seoul, Korea.

CAPE TOWN, South Africa, Nov. 23, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- The Sunhak Peace Prize Committee announced Laureates for the Sunhak Peace Prize for 2019 - Waris Dirie and Dr. Akinwumi Ayodeji Adesina.Waris Dirie, a human rights activist and super-model, is widely acclaimed for raising worldwide awareness of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM). As an agricultural economist, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina has been promoting Good Governance in Africa through agricultural innovation for over 30 years and greatly contributed to food security in Africa.   Waris Dirie was born into a nomad family and she was subjected to FGM at the age of 5. In 1997, she shared her experience with the world and was appointed as the Special Ambassador to the UN for the Elimination of FGM.In 2002, she established the Desert Flower Foundation and in 2003, her anti-FGM campaign led 15 African Union member countries to ratify the Maputo Protocol which promotes the eradication of FGM. In 2012, the UN unanimously passed a resolution banning the practice of FGM, and the UN has set a goal to eliminate FGM by 2030.Another laureate Dr. Akinwumi Adesina pioneered in expanding rice production, increasing the availability of credit for smallholder farmers, attracting private investments for the agricultural sector, rooting out the corrupt elements in the fertilizer industry, and establishing the major agricultural policies.For the 2006 Africa Fertilizer Summit, he was instrumental in developing the Abuja Declaration on Fertilizer for the African Green Revolution, stating eradication of hunger in Africa, by 2030.Dr. Akinwumi Adesina currently serves as the president of the African Development Bank Group, promoting the \"High 5 Strategy\", which is improving the lives of millions of people throughout Africa.Dr. Il Sik Hong, Chairman of the Sunhak Committee, stated that \"the Sunhak Peace Prize was established based upon the vision of \'One Family Under God\' and the Sunhak Peace Prize for 2019 gives special attention to human rights and human development in Africa.\"The Sunhak Peace Prize honors individuals and organizations who have made significant contributions to the peace and the welfare of future generations. The Sunhak Peace Prize includes a cash prize totaling one million US dollars and the Award Ceremony will take place in February 2019 in Seoul, Korea.