Currently spearheading the Moral Courage Project at NYU, Manji is considered one of the world’s most provocative thinkers, with top-notch credentials, as well as an unwavering commitment to her audiences. Manji’s words transform underground hunger for change into above-the-ground phenomenon’s.
Irshad Manji is a highly vocal advocate for a revival of critical thinking. Known as ijtihad in Islamic tradition, Manji challenges traditional religious beliefs and refuses to back down under intense pressure. She insists on telling her personal story with passion and humor. Her inspiring message: any of us can change the world by daring to ask questions — out loud.
Selected by The World Economic Forum as a Young Global Leader; by Oprah Winfrey with her first annual Chutzpah award for "audacity, nerve, boldness and conviction"; and by Canada's Maclean's Magazine as one of '100 Canadians to Watch,' Manji's efforts are respected worldwide.
She brings an electric passion to all her presentations as she encourages audiences to get engaged in new ideas, critically review their belief systems and have the moral courage to stand up for those within and outside your defined community.
Client Testimonials
"Fantastic, sincere, memorable, humbling are some of the words to describe how I personally reacted. I think it was the reaction of many as well. I think it is fair to say that she touched everyone in the room with her story and presentation. She facilitated an excellent Q and A after her formal remarks. Exceeded expectations were comments I heard from others who helped to organize the session. "
Canada School of Public Service
Speaker Topics
The Power of Asking Questions - Out Loud Irshad shows that one voice, asking simple questions out loud, can change the world. She has transformed her personal journey into a riveting story that teaches all of us how to develop moral courage and confront the challenges we face.
Shut up and be Diverse! (Not) Irshad Manji shows us the key to embracing diversity. Hint: It's not simply about race, gender, or culture. Using her voice, Irshad will help you understand that group identities do not define diversity; individuality does and how individuality benefits the wider organization.
The Future of Islam In this dynamic speech, Irshad charts the course for a reform of Islam. Along the way, Irshad offers key insights about a new generation of Muslims, illuminating their challenges and opportunities.
Confessions of a Muslim Reformer: Why I Fight for Women, Jews, Gays.and God In this energetic and profoundly personal speech, Irshad addresses the ideas in her internationally acclaimed film, "Faith Without Fear." She expresses a new, humane and intellectually vibrant vision for humanity -- based on Islam's own tradition of critical thinking.
Women as the Key to Reforming the Muslim World Women's rights are human rights. But Muslim women today still suffer profound ill-treatment. Irshad illuminates the root problems and offers concrete solutions based on Islam itself.
