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Maryam and Nivaal

Public Speaking Overview

Award-winning twin activists and storytellers, with an inspiring story and over 28 years of combined experience in this space, ready to share their expertise with your audience.

Maryam and Nivaal started their journey when they were eight years old, visiting a girls' school in their village in Pakistan that their grandmother had donated the land to build. They learned that the girls were going to quit school when they reached Grade 5 so that they could work to support their families. This inspired Maryam and Nivaal to advocate for girls' education, and what started as grassroots activism efforts, expanded to the global stage, as the two proceeded to advocate for girls' rights at the G7 Summit and United Nations among other spaces. As graduates of the University of Toronto at Trinity College, they completed their undergraduate degree with a Double-Major in International Relations and Peace, Conflict, and Justice Studies with a Minor in Women and Gender Studies, while also completing two study abroad sessions at the University of Sydney and University College London. They are currently pursuing their post-graduate studies at the University of Oxford. 

From championing girls' education access in their village and creating their first professional film with the Walt Disney Company, to conducting their first live interview with Malala and PM Trudeau and supplementing their activism with education attained at the world's leading academic institutions, Maryam and Nivaal bring years of incredible experiences, knowledge, and expertise to all their talks.

Book them today for a keynote address, workshop, as panelists, moderators, or hosts.

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Speaking Options

All of Maryam and Nivaal's speaking engagements bring their unique stories and extensive experience to life through an interactive and action-oriented format. View their existing speaking options below (all customizable to fit your organization's needs) or if you have something else in mind, check out the custom section as well. 

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Keynote

Speakers

Keynote Address

Standard 45-minute address (can be extended) covering Maryam and Nivaal's activism and storytelling journey, leaving audience members inspired with an action-oriented finish which teaches them how they can also make a difference for the causes they care about.

Panelists

With over 28 years of combined experience in activism and over 16 years of combined experience in storytelling, Maryam and Nivaal bring a unique perspective to any panel you host in these fields.

Event Moderation

Seamless moderation (online and in-person) for your next panel, High-Level event, or conference. Maryam and Nivaal have extensive experience moderating events and panels with world leaders, youth advocates, experts, and more, and professionally managing technical difficulties or last-minute changes to make sure your event runs smoothly and has a lasting impact. 

Storytelling for Social Good Workshop

This hands-on workshop will delve into the art of storytelling as a tool for advocacy and community engagement, providing practical techniques to communicate impactful messages through photography, videography, and writing. Attendees will leave empowered with the skills to amplify their initiatives through captivating narratives that resonate, inspire, and drive positive social change.

Global Citizenship Workshop

​An immersive experience designed to empower participants with the knowledge and skills to become informed global citizens. Through interactive sessions, expertise from Maryam and Nivaal's work, and collaborative activities, attendees will gain a deeper understanding of global issues and learn practical strategies to contribute positively to our world.

Advocacy 101 Workshop

Tailored for individuals and organizations passionate about driving change, this immersive session will equip participants with the essential skills to effectively advocate for their beliefs. From crafting persuasive messages to navigating the legislative landscape, attendees will gain valuable insights and practical strategies to become influential advocates for the issues that matter most.

Social Media for Social Good Crash Course

In this workshop, participants will dive into the fundamentals of leveraging social media for impactful social causes, learning key strategies for online advocacy and community engagement. From crafting compelling content to navigating the latest trends, attendees will leave with the practical skills needed to make a meaningful impact and unlock the potential of digital platforms to drive positive change.

Custom

If you would like to book Maryam and Nivaal for a speaking engagement that fits outside of these existing categories, feel free to reach out to us with your idea! Maryam and Nivaal are able to speak to a range of topics, some of which include:  

  • Youth engagement

  • Women empowerment

  • Storytelling

  • Filmmaking 

  • Women in Filmmaking

  • Social Media

  • Overcoming Activist Burnout

  • Environmental Sustainability

  • Girls' Education

  • Gender Equality

  • Diversity and Inclusion

  • Education in Conflict

  • Climate Education

  • The Climate Crisis in Pakistan

  • Decolonization

  • History and Contemporary Issues in Kashmir

  • Advocacy with International Organizations

  • Grassroots Advocacy and Activism

  • Activist Safety

  • Muslim Women's Experiences

  • Countering Islamophobia

Maryam and Nivaal in Action
Highlights of Previous Speaking Engagements

Keynotes, Speaking

& Panels

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Moderating

& Hosting

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Running

Workshops

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Interviews

& Fireside Chats

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Book Maryam
& Nivaal

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