“Over the course of my life, I have made many transitions - most of them taking me further away from my Somali roots and steadily toward the enlightened mentality of Western democracy.”

Somali-born Dutch-American writer, activist, and former politician

Ayaan Hirsi Ali is a Somali-born Dutch-American writer, activist, and former politician. She is known for her public criticism of Islam and for speaking about women’s rights, freedom of belief, and the tensions between religion and modern secular life. Her work and public life have made her a prominent voice in debates about Islam, integration, and individual liberty. As a writer and activist, she has used essays, books, and public appearances to argue for greater freedom and protection for women in conservative religious societies.