Availability dot

Available to book

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, Speaker | Activist, Author, Scholar
Ayaan Hirsi Ali

Ayaan Hirsi Ali

New York City, United States

Typical fee range

Contact PepTalk for fees

This is an estimated fee range for local in-person events. Location and format affect the final fee.

Get Ayaan's availability

Availability dot
Instant quote
No upfront fee
Vetted speaker

Book Ayaan

New York City, United States

Starting from

Contact PepTalk for fees

Send an email

loading@getapeptalk.com

Give us a call

+44 203 835 2929

Enquire Ayaan Now

Availability dot for speakers
Instant quote
No upfront fee
Vetted speaker

Ayaan Hirsi Ali's 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.

Check Ayaan's availability

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

Featured Projects

The Ayaan Hirsi Ali Podcast
Prey: Immigration, Islam, and the Erosion of Women's Rights

frequently asked questions

Something we've not covered here?

How do I book Ayaan Hirsi Ali for my next event?
Email ayaan.hirsi.ali@getapeptalk.com or call PepTalk 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 Ayaan's 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.
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.
What topics does Ayaan Hirsi Ali specialise in?
Ayaan Hirsi Ali specialises in discussing women's rights, gender inequality, cultural oppression and more.
What does 'typical fee range' mean?

Speaker fees vary based on factors like event location, format, and availability. The 'typical fee range' figure gives you a baseline of someone's local, in-person rate sits, and we'll confirm the exact fee when you get in touch.

What happens if I need to cancel or reschedule a speaker booking?

Life happens! Most speaker bookings can be rescheduled with reasonable notice. Cancellation terms vary by speaker, but PepTalk handles all the details & contracts transparently upfront so there are no surprises. Our team supports you through any changes, making the process as smooth as possible.

Have all the speakers on the website previously worked with PepTalk?

Not necessarily. While the speakers listed on our website may not have worked with PepTalk in the past, they are recognized professionals in the industry and known to engage in similar events and engagements. Alongside direct talent, we work with a wide variety of speaker agents and talent agencies, to ensure we have the best selection of speakers, hosts, comedians and entertainers available.

What information do I need to provide when booking a speaker?

When booking a speaker, you'll need your event date, audience details, format, key objectives, and budget. Having these ready makes the process smooth and straightforward. PepTalk's team uses this information to match you with the perfect speaker quickly and efficiently.

Can I request autographs, personal greetings, signed merchandise, or fan mail from the speakers?

Sorry, we do not accept requests for autographs, signed merchandise, fan mail, or any non-commercial contact with the speakers, comedians or entertainers.

How can I report an issue or make changes to an expert profile?

If you notice something that needs attention or have any queries regarding an expert speaker profile, feel free to email us at experts@getapeptalk.com, and we’ll be happy to assist.

Can I book podcast guests through PepTalk?

Yes. PepTalk books commercial podcast guests every week of the year. A high-profile voice can boost your podcast's reach and deliver ideas to your audience at scale. Fees typically start from £1,200 / $1,500, depending on the expert. Our network includes bestselling authors, industry leaders, and cultural figures who have appeared on leading global podcasts — and many host their own. Whether you want bold insights, candid stories, or deep expertise, we'll help you find the right guest to elevate your show.

How far in advance should I book a motivational speaker?

Book a motivational speaker at least 3–6 months in advance, especially for popular speakers or large events. Top speakers get booked quickly, so earlier is always better. For major conferences or peak seasons, booking 12 months ahead ensures you secure your first choice.

Help, I need a last-minute speaker for my event!

No problem! We often handle last-minute requests and can secure or replace a speaker, comedian, awards or event host quickly — almost anywhere in the world. However, speaker availability might be limited as the event date approaches. Email hello@getapeptalk.com with your requirements.