Ayaan Hirsi Ali is a Somali-born American activist, writer and feminist. She is known for her extensive work fighting for the rights of Islamic women. Her story is one of perseverance and success against all odds. She grew up in a strict Islamic family and experienced the abuse she so passionately advocates against first-hand. She was a victim of genital mutilation. What makes Ali's stance against Islam so unique is she is the first woman from an Islamic country to publicly denounce and criticize ills related to Islam. Ali gave up her career in Dutch politics to come to the United States, where she produced 3 autobiographies. She also opened a foundation, named after her, that has helped countless Islamic women escape the abuse handed down by their families. Ali continues to periodically write opinion pieces for national newspapers to further the agenda of her foundation.
