Dirie Varis is a model, writer, social activist and women's rights activist. Her fate has become an example for many Somalis and other African women, and her bizarre biography has served as the basis for films and books.
Desert Flower
The exact date of birth of Varis Dirie is unknown. The most common name is 1965, but since the birth of children is not counted among her tribe, the date may be inaccurate. A native of Somalia was born into a large family, but out of 11 children, only 6 survived to adulthood. The girl's relatives lived in poverty and Varis herself was destined for the same fate.
In early childhood, the baby had to go through a barbaric procedure - female circumcision. Hundreds of girls die every day from this operation, carried out in unsanitary conditions. Varys was ill for a long time, but survived, however, she had to fight the consequences of circumcision for many more years.
At the age of 13, the girl was planned to be married: a distant elderly relative offered Varis's father several camels - quite enough kalym. Upon learning of the deal, the girl fled and made her way through the desert at night, hiding from snakes and predatory animals. Miraculously escaping rape, Varys made her way to the city where her sister lived. She sheltered the girl. In gratitude for the shelter, Dirie performed the duties of a cleaner and nanny in her sister's house.
The next stage was the move to Great Britain, where Uncle Varis lived. The girl gave her mother all her hard-earned money and illegally moved to London. At her uncle's house, household duties awaited her again, besides, she was constantly afraid of deportation.
Carier start
Chance brought Varys into contact with photographer Malcolm Fairchild. Inspired by the beauty of the girl, he offered to make her a portfolio. The Somali woman refused, but after learning how much they pay for filming, she herself came to the studio. After the audition, Varis was invited to a prestigious modeling agency, and then she was in for real luck - shooting for the Pirelli calendar. On the wave of success, Dirie also got on the movie screen: she got a cameo role in the film "Sparks from the Eyes".
In 1991, Varys moved to the United States, planning to develop a career as a model. She received several significant contracts, participated in advertising shootings for large companies. Dirie has Vogue magazine covers. Elle, Glamor. However, the girl preferred the podium to advertising shootings. She participated in the most prestigious shows and felt like a real star.
Creation
Dirie did not limit herself to working in the modeling business. She took part in the filming of a documentary film about Somalia, which gave her the opportunity to return to her homeland for a short time. This trip was the impetus for a new activity: Varys took seriously the problem of female genital mutilation. She gave an interview to a women's magazine, the publication had a wide response. UN representatives invited the girl to join their ranks and act as a defender of the rights of African women.
Dirie gave her new job all the time, practically moving away from the modeling business. She dealt with the problems of the rehabilitation of injured girls, the prevention of female circumcision, and the distribution of humanitarian aid. Varys has written many essays and articles, as well as several books. Her biography formed the basis for documentaries and feature films.
Personal life
Varys' first marriage was fictitious; she married a certain Nigel in order to obtain the official right to live in the UK. Later, this act brought her many problems, the “husband” tried to gain access to the model's money, threatening her with exposure and deportation.
True love came later: in a jazz bar, the model met Dave, who became her future husband. The girl feared that the trauma she suffered in childhood turned her into a disabled person, incapable of a normal life. She had to go through several operations, undergo a course of psychological rehabilitation. Everything ended well: the marriage of Varys and Dave turned out to be very harmonious, at the age of 30, the model gave birth to a son, named Aliki. Translated from Somali, it means "mighty lion".
