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Speaker, activist & author

Ayaan Hirsi Ali

Empower your team to champion women's rights and combat gender-based violence with Ayaan Hirsi Ali, speaker, activist, and author.

Trusted by AHA Foundation, Hoover Institution, Council on Foreign Relations

Ayaan Hirsi Ali

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New York City, United States

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Speaker Biography

At a Glance

  • Founder of the AHA Foundation for women's protection
  • Research Fellow at Stanford University Hoover Institution
  • Best-selling author and podcast host
Ayaan Hirsi Ali is an internationally recognised human rights advocate, author, and scholar. Her work addresses some of the most pressing issues of our time, from the defence of women’s rights to the challenges of immigration and integration in liberal democracies. She is known for her ability to tackle sensitive subjects with clarity and conviction, drawing on her own life story to shed light on complex social issues. Born in Mogadishu, Somalia, Ayaan’s early life was marked by experiences that would later shape her mission. She fled a forced marriage in 1992, seeking asylum in the Netherlands, where she mastered Dutch, studied political science at the University of Leiden, and began working with Somali immigrants. These encounters deepened her awareness of the tensions between traditional cultural practices and the principles of individual freedom. From 2003 to 2006, she served in the Dutch Parliament, focusing on the integration of non-Western immigrants and defending the rights of Muslim women. Her collaboration with filmmaker Theo van Gogh on the short film Submission brought her international attention and underscored her willingness to confront controversial topics. Relocating to the United States, she founded the AHA Foundation in 2007 to combat honour-based violence and harmful traditional practices. She is currently a Research Fellow at the Hoover Institution at Stanford University, a member of the Council on Foreign Relations, and host of The Ayaan Hirsi Ali Podcast. Ayaan is the author of several best-selling books, including Infidel, Nomad, Heretic, and her most recent book Prey, in which she examines issues of religion, migration, and women’s rights. Her insights are informed by a rare combination of personal experience, political engagement, and academic research.

Ayaan's Showreel and Videos

Topics, Sessions and Talks

Safeguarding Women's Rights: Policy, Advocacy, and Human Rights Triumphs
Explore the intersection of policy, advocacy, and human rights with Ayaan Hirsi Ali, a former Dutch Parliament member and Hoover Institution research fellow. Delve into the founding of the AHA Foundation, which aims to safeguard women's rights in the US against harmful traditional practices. Gain insights into the challenges and triumphs of legislative and grassroots efforts.
The Opportunity and Consequence of Human Rights
Ayaan Hirsi Ali explores the delicate balance between seizing opportunities to promote human rights and the potential repercussions of these actions. She emphasises the importance of thoughtful consideration and strategic action in the pursuit of justice. Attendees will learn how to navigate the complexities of human rights advocacy while understanding the implications of their choices.
Infidel
Ayaan Hirsi Ali shares her journey of leaving Islam and forging her own path, detailing her youth across Somalia, Saudi Arabia, Ethiopia, and Kenya. She recounts her flight to the Netherlands for political asylum, her university experience in Leiden, and her political career with the Labour Party and the People's Party for Freedom and Democracy, culminating in her election to Parliament. Attendees will hear about her experiences, the impact of Theo van Gogh's murder, and the complexities of her asylum application and citizenship status.

Why We Recommend Booking Ayaan

Discover Ayaan Hirsi Ali's powerful insights on women's rights and cultural critique. As a renowned author and founder of the AHA Foundation, her expertise empowers teams to tackle gender inequality. Book her now to inspire change and drive impactful discussions.

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Trusted by AHA Foundation, Hoover Institution, Council on Foreign Relations

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What topics does Ayaan Hirsi Ali specialise in?
Ayaan Hirsi Ali specialises in discussing women's rights, gender inequality, cultural oppression and more.
What is Ayaan Hirsi Ali's speaking style like?
Ayaan Hirsi Ali delivers powerful insights with passion and clarity, inspiring audiences to challenge oppressive norms. Her advocacy for women's rights resonates deeply, making her a compelling and impactful speaker.
How can I book Ayaan Hirsi Ali for my next event?
Email ayaan.hirsi.ali@getapeptalk.com or call us on +44 20 3835 2929 (UK) or +1 737 888 5112 (US), and one of our speaker agents will contact you within hours to confirm availability and fees. If you can, please include your budget upfront – it helps us fast-track your request. It’s also helpful to know the date, format (virtual or in-person), location, and a bit about your audience. As speaker agents, PepTalk can secure Ayaan Hirsi Ali for commercial and corporate events, conference keynotes, leadership talks, celebrity brand endorsements & partnerships, personal appearances, and motivational speaking engagements. We can assist with enquiries about Ayaan Hirsi Ali's speaking fees, availability, and booking process for private business functions, industry conferences, and team events. Please note, for media interviews, autographs, charity appearances, or personal matters, we recommend contacting Ayaan Hirsi Ali directly.
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