The Desert Flower Foundation was founded in 2002 by supermodel, bestselling author and human rights activist Waris Dirie in Vienna, Austria. The organization fights worldwide against the cruel ritual of female genital mutilation (FGM). With eye-catching campaigns and projects, it raises awareness for the mission and the rights of women. The Desert Flower Foundation's work includes building schools in Africa, saving thousands of girls from FGM through its own sponsorship program "Save a Small Desert Flower", and providing holistic care for women affected by FGM in the Desert Flower Centers. Since 2016, the mission has focused on education for girls in Africa. "Education is a bridge between poverty and hope. If you want to help girls and women in Africa in a sustainable way, you have to invest in education," says founder Waris Dirie. The Desert Flower Foundation has received numerous international awards for its humanitarian work.