From motivational keynotes to hands-on trainings, Dr. Cairo engages people, communities and organizations to implement positive change and communicate the message that every story has value.
about.
Born and raised in the Netherlands to Surinamese parents, she left for the US to pursue her college education. She obtained a dual Bachelor in Psychology and Physical Education, Master’s Degrees in Clinical Psychology and Medical Anthropology and a Ph.D. in Medical Anthropology… (read more)
upcoming.
Holding Space Worldwide
Stay tuned for the new website Holdingspaceworldwide that is coming soon. Here you will find more about Holding Space trainings and the team.
The new book and performance are here. Stay tuned for more performances in November.2025
For a look back at the previous tour, click hier.
the books.
HOLDING SPACE: A STORYTELLING APPROACH TO TRAMPLING DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION
Published by Aminata Cairo
I hold the space and not just any space, but I claim and carve out a piece of this larger space that is made up of dominant particles and is totally oblivious to the value of the space that I hold and bring. The space I occupy is different and therefore inherently suspect and questionable.
Me, Myselves and us: releasing the stories that do not serve us
Published by Aminata Cairo Consultancy
Let’s be brave, dive in and get to work with our stories. Let’s embrace the gifts that our stories bring and dust off and let go of stories that no longer serve us. This loosening of the grip of some of our stories is a must. As much as I love stories, I am also sick and tired of the blah blah blah, the regurgitation of things we already know to sound important but serve as procrastination. It is time to reflect AND act.
The book is for sale now
In the Netherlands you can buy the booked here.
In the US and other international countries you can buy the book here.
Audio book is coming soon!
BARBERSHOP WISDOM: LESSONS FROM A D1 DAD
Justin Johnson Jr. and Aminata Cairo
This beautiful photobook shares the life story of Justin Johnson into manhood and fatherhood. In writing this book with Dr. Aminata Cairo, a connection has been made with Turkish and Moroccan barbershops in the Netherlands, where the barbershop also offers a safe haven for men in marginalized communities. This book, in sharing Justin’s story is not just an insight into one man’s life, it offers hope for men and all those who love men and boys all over the world.
Purchase your Barbershop Wisdom book in the Netherlands hier.
LOVE ME FOR ME: STORIES FOR CHILDREN IN TRANSGENDER FAMILIES
Published by Aminata Cairo Consultancy
After that day my mommy took me with her to the doctor a few times. The doctor explained how the medicine was going to change my mommy’s body and that she would have to take shots. I didn’t like that idea, but my mommy said she didn’t mind. He asked if I had questions and I asked him if he was going to teach my mommy how to pee standing up. He laughed at that, but never gave me an answer. Learn more
listen.
Holding Space podcast with Aminata Cairo and Winnie Roseval
Dutch 
English