Sally Armstrong

Keynote Speaker | Toronto, Ontario

Award Winning Journalist & Author
Global Affairs, Human Rights & Ethical Leadership Expert

Sally Armstrong Expertise: Strategic Thinking, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, Resilience & Adversity, Conflict Resolution, Governance, Business Ethics & Values, Influence & Negotiation, Global Shifts & Geopolitics, Public Relations & Media Training, Government Departments & Agencies, Journalists and Bestselling Writers & Authors.

Sally Armstrong

About Speaker Sally Armstrong

Sally Armstrong, a distinguished journalist, humanitarian, and author, is a globally recognized expert in conflict reporting and women's rights advocacy. Renowned as the "war correspondent for the world's women," she has fearlessly covered conflicts spanning Bosnia to Somalia, Congo to Afghanistan, and Iraq to Guatemala. Sally is the former member of the International Women's Commission at the United Nations and has received international recognition for her work on human rights and gender equality. She is an Officer of the Order of Canada, with 11 honorary doctorate degrees and was appointed the Massey Lecturer in 2019.

"Women's history is flawed": Sally Armstrong

"Women's history is flawed": Sally Armstrong

Power is Personal | Sally Armstrong | Walrus Talks

Power is Personal | Sally Armstrong | Walrus Talks

Sally Armstrong Says There’s Never Been a Better Time to Be a Woman

Sally Armstrong Says There’s Never Been a Better Time to Be a Woman

Why Women Have Been Sidelined | Sally Armstrong

Why Women Have Been Sidelined | Sally Armstrong

Sally Armstrong Biography

Sally Armstrong is a Canadian journalist and human rights advocate whose career has centred on reporting from conflict zones and documenting the experiences of women in regions affected by instability. Her work has examined events in Afghanistan, Iraq, Congo, Bosnia, Somalia, and Guatemala, providing audiences with confirmed facts grounded in firsthand field reporting.

She has built a professional reputation for covering complex geopolitical conditions through evidence-based accounts that reveal the lived realities of individuals in crisis. Her reporting has contributed to national and international understanding of human rights challenges faced by women and marginalized communities.

Sally Armstrong served as editor-in-chief at Homemakers and worked for Canadian Living, where she advanced reporting on social issues, public health, and community impact. Her later role as a contributing editor at Maclean’s expanded her work across current affairs, governance, and global conflict.

In 2002, Sally Armstrong was appointed UNICEF Special Representative to Afghanistan, where she documented the conditions facing Afghan women during a period of significant political and social transition. Her reporting from Afghanistan remains among the earliest comprehensive accounts that drew global attention to restrictions on women’s rights.

She is the author of multiple books, including Veiled Threat, Bitter Roots Tender Shoots, Ascent of Women, and other works that review the roles of women, the effects of conflict, and the movement toward equity and justice. These publications have been widely referenced by audiences seeking accurate assessments of international human rights conditions.

Sally Armstrong wrote the script for the documentaries Falling from the Sky and Daughters of Afghanistan, both of which investigated the realities of women living under restrictive and often dangerous circumstances. Her work in documentary media expanded her role as an analyst of global human rights issues.

Her reporting has earned four Amnesty International Canada Media Awards, recognizing her commitment to factual accuracy and investigative depth. She also received honours such as the YWCA Women of Distinction Award in Communications and the Dave Greber Award for Social Justice Writing.

Sally Armstrong has been appointed a Member and later an Officer of the Order of Canada for her contributions to journalism and human rights. She has been awarded eleven honorary doctorate degrees and continues to be recognized for her work within academic and professional communities.

She served on international working groups dedicated to peacebuilding efforts in the Middle East, contributing to UN-affiliated initiatives focused on collaboration among Israeli, Palestinian, and international representatives. Her participation supported dialogue aimed at examining long-standing conflict and possible pathways to stability.

Sally Armstrong delivered the 2019 CBC Massey Lectures titled Power Shift: The Longest Revolution, which addressed the role of women in shaping global progress. The lectures were based on her book of the same name and were broadcast nationally.

Her recent work includes reporting assignments in Iraq and Kenya and ongoing documentation of conditions affecting vulnerable populations. These projects highlight issues such as displacement, post-conflict recovery, and community resilience.

Sally Armstrong frequently speaks to corporate groups, academic institutions, community organizations, and professional associations seeking informed analysis of global affairs and human rights. Her presentations review the conditions she has witnessed firsthand and the broader implications for governance, justice, and collective responsibility.

Her expertise is grounded in decades of field experience and research, which supports audiences in understanding verified facts about conflict, equity, and public policy. This approach ensures clarity and reliability in discussions concerning complex global issues.

Sally Armstrong continues to examine the evolving responsibilities of governments and institutions in protecting human rights. Her career reflects a sustained commitment to documenting conditions accurately and presenting information that supports public understanding.

Her work remains relevant to audiences seeking factual insights into women’s rights, global conflict, and social justice. Sally Armstrong’s reporting continues to contribute to informed dialogue across sectors that engage with international human rights issues.

 

Sally Armstrong Topic Presentations

Sally Armstrong From Toronto, Ontario, Canada delivers keynote presentations, workshops, fireside chats, moderated Q&A, and other presentation formats on a wide variety of topics. Each presentation is unique, customized and tailored for audiences, industries, conferences and event formats.

Human Rights-human Wrongs

Women and Children Last

The Power of One

Who in the World Cares?

A New Age is Dawning for Every Mother’s Daughter

The Shame Isn’t Ours It’s Yours

Want to Reduce Poverty, Cut Conflict and Improve the Economy? Call in the Women.

Books
Sally Armstrong
  • Uprising: a New Age is Dawning for Every Mother's Daughter
  • The Nine Lives of Charlotte Taylor
Interviews
Sally Armstrong
  • Inside the Secret Mission to Rescue Syria's White Helmets
  • 'canada, We Need Your Help': How Diplomats Helped Rescue the White Helmets
  • Sally Armstrong | Inside Isis
Podcasts
Sally Armstrong
  • Sally Armstrong on the Ongoing Fight for Women's Rights
  • The Buddha's Four-part Strategy for "ultimate Happiness"
Articles
Sally Armstrong
  • Sally Armstrong Talks to Lisa Laflamme About Kenya's Fight Against Rape

Sally Armstrong Speaking Testimonials

"Having Sally Armstrong as a keynote speaker on the Friday night of our conference was a huge success! We filled the room to capacity and the venue staff were running for more chairs as we began. Sally was wonderfully gracious and she complimented our organization, personally mentioning one of our founders who was in attendance. Every single conference evaluation mentions Sally as a highlight of our weekend! We did an exercise the next day to have people recall what inspired them about Sally’s address – people had retained exact quotations which is a sign that Sally is both a good speaker and a good teacher! Sally is passionately committed to her work as a journalist, author and advocate..."

The Catholic Network for Women's Equality

"Our Sally Armstrong fundraising dinner was a smashing success. Sold out crowd of 220 who were totally captivated by this amazing woman and her inspiring message. Nothing but positive feedback. Would have no qualms about hearing her speak again.  "

Board of Directors Member
Ingamo Homes

"The articulate and passionate stories of your experiences in Rwanda, Somalia, and Afghanistan and the women with whom you came in contact, were at once disturbing, heart rendering and heart warming. You painted touching and realistic pictures that provoked insight and context for the following day that served as a foundation on which all of the subsequent speakers could build.  "

Commission of Graduates of Foreign Nursing School

"She was the absolute perfect speaker for our event. She took the time to research and take in the event and artfully wove together our YMCA Peace Medal recipients and their personal stories with her message. It was the perfect message for our event and the people we were honouring and I so appreciated her time and care she took in preparation for the speech to make it so personal to our community.  "

YMCA Northumberland

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Sally Armstrong known for and what is their expertise as a keynote speaker in Canada?

Sally Armstrong is known for defined subject matter expertise based on professional experience and industry background. As a keynote speaker in Canada for conferences and conventions, their presentations align with organizational objectives and audience outcomes. Corporate keynote speakers in Canada are selected based on credibility, relevance, and practical application. Expertise alignment supports informed booking decisions. Read More

What topics does Sally Armstrong speak on for conferences, conventions, corporate events, and annual general meetings in Canada?

Sally Armstrong delivers keynote presentations on defined topic areas confirmed during booking. Canadian business speakers for corporate meetings in Canada align topic selection with event objectives and audience priorities. Conference speakers in Canada adapt messaging for conventions, trade shows, and summits. Topics are finalized prior to written confirmation. Read More

How do I know if Sally Armstrong is the right fit for my audience, conference, convention, or AGM?

Sally Armstrong is evaluated based on audience alignment, event objectives, and subject matter relevance. Event planners booking keynote speakers in Canada for corporate conferences review experience, delivery style, and industry context. Canadian business speakers for annual general meetings must align with program goals and audience expectations. Fit is clarified during the pre decision call. Read More

Where is Sally Armstrong from and where do they speak across Canada?

Sally Armstrong is from Toronto, Ontario and is available for events across Canada. Conference speakers in Canada frequently travel nationally with defined travel terms. Corporate keynote speakers coordinate scheduling through structured agreements. Availability is confirmed through formal inquiry. Read More

Is Sally Armstrong available as a virtual keynote speaker for online conferences, webinars, or hybrid events in Canada?

Sally Armstrong is available as a virtual keynote speaker for online conferences, corporate webinars, and hybrid events in Canada. Virtual keynote speakers in Canada deliver structured presentations adapted for remote audiences. Format, platform coordination, and timing are confirmed during booking. Virtual availability is documented through written agreement in Canada. Read More

Does Sally Armstrong deliver keynote presentations, workshops, training sessions, breakout sessions, fireside chats, or panel discussions?

Sally Armstrong may deliver keynote presentations as well as workshops and breakout sessions. Canadian business speakers for corporate training in Canada define session length and format during booking. Conference speakers may also participate in fireside chats or panel discussions depending on program design. Session formats are confirmed in writing. Read More

How do I contact Sally Armstrong to check availability and begin the booking process in Canada?

Sally Armstrong is contacted through Speakers Bureau of Canada to confirm availability and event details. Event planners and meeting planners typically schedule a pre decision call to clarify format, objectives, and scope. Booking begins once event requirements are defined. Written confirmation follows agreement execution. Read More

How do I book Sally Armstrong for a conference, convention, trade show, summit, or corporate meeting in Canada?

Sally Armstrong is booked through a structured agreement process confirming availability, fee structure, and logistics. Booking keynote speakers in Canada for conventions and trade shows includes written contracts and defined payment terms. Canadian business speakers for annual general meetings require scope confirmation before date holds convert to confirmed status. Booking is finalized upon agreement execution. Read More

How much does it cost to book Sally Armstrong as a keynote speaker in Canada?

Sally Armstrong keynote speaker fees depend on event type, audience size, format, and location. The cost to book a keynote speaker in Canada varies based on preparation scope and delivery structure. Corporate keynote speakers in Canada confirm fees through a booking agent and written agreement. Final pricing reflects defined scope and contract terms. Read More

Are there additional costs to hire Sally Armstrong for a corporate event, convention, or trade show in Canada?

Additional costs to hire Sally Armstrong may include travel expenses, extended sessions, workshops, meet and greets, emcee duties, or event host roles. Keynote speakers in Canada for business conventions often separate honorarium from travel and related logistics. Canadian business speakers confirm these components in writing before agreement execution. All additional costs are outlined contractually. Read More

How far in advance should I book Sally Armstrong for a conference, convention, or business meeting in Canada?

Sally Armstrong should be booked once event dates, location, and format are confirmed. Conference speakers in Canada often secure dates several months in advance. Corporate keynote speakers for annual general meetings may have limited availability during peak seasons. Early inquiry improves confirmation certainty. Read More

Is Sally Armstrong represented by an agent in Canada and how is the agreement handled?

Sally Armstrong is represented by Speakers Bureau of Canada for booking coordination and agreement management. Keynote speakers in Canada often work through an agency to formalize contracts and payment handling. Agent representation ensures structured communication between organizers and the speaker. Representation clarifies agreement terms before confirmation. Read More