Well, of course there’s my own experience of being mutilated as a little child. Having gone through this cruel practice and all the long-term consequences that come with it, I just cannot sit back and watch it being done to thousands of little girls every year. I believe that it is my responsibility to use the attention I get to fight against the continuing practice of FGM.

I've never been one to stay still. I was born a nomad, and I still am a nomad and always will be.

Mama tied a blindfold over my eyes. The next thing I felt my flesh was being cut away. I heard the blade sawing back and forth through my skin. The pain between my legs was so intense I wished I would die.

I am strong, determined, impulsive, happy, and emotional.

When I became successful as a model in the United States, I knew that my chance to be heard had come and so I took it.

I still do find it very difficult in the West to connect to this politeness of smiling, not saying how you're thinking or not saying how you really feel.

Sometimes I wonder where I am from. I am either way ahead or I come from another world. I don't recognise this world.