Melissa Deally, a member of Soroptimist International Canada West Online and Co-Founder of Girls Matter, and her colleague, Billie Aadmi, a Board Member of Girls Matter, were the guest speakers at the 92nd Soroptimist Western Canada Region Conference. Their powerful presentation took us on a journey through their meaningful projects that are changing the lives of girls in Uganda and Kenya. Soroptimist International Canada West Online raised $1,140 for the Girls Matter project at the Conference.
Girls Matter Solutions
Our holistic approach supports the girls and their communities in Uganda and Kenya:
- Funding girls to go to school
- Funding menstrual supplies
- Collaborating with non-profit partners
- Mentoring program
- Offering micro-finance loans to graduates
About Melissa Deally, Co-Founder, Girls Matter:
Melissa’s journey spans continents and cultures, beginning in Australia and taking a pivotal turn in Tokyo, Japan, where she enjoyed an International School education. Her adventurous spirit led her to explore the world, after completing a Commerce Degree including a transformative two-month camping safari through Africa in 1990.
Having witnessed firsthand the global disparities in educational access, particularly in Africa, Melissa’s passion for making a meaningful impact was ignited. As a mother of two girls and a dedicated Girl Guide leader, she found inspiration in the documentary “Girls Rising,” which unveiled the uphill battle nine girls faced in their fight for education. This poignant experience prompted Melissa to reassess the significance of her successful hotel career and set her on a path to contribute positively to the world.
In 2016, a life-changing conference by Allysian Science became the catalyst for Melissa’s ‘a-ha’ moment. Instead of waiting to amass personal wealth, she realized the power of taking immediate, purposeful steps toward her dream of educating girls. Collaborating with friends Malcolm and Megin, who shared a similar vision, they co-founded Girls Matter in January 2017. Through this non-profit organization, Melissa’s impact started in Buyaya, Uganda.
The narrative continued to unfold in 2021 when Melissa connected with Jali Sisters in Kenya, an organization empowering woman in the Nairobi slums to earn a livelihood. Girls Matter expanded its reach to support the education of daughters within this inspiring community. Melissa’s dream is to break the poverty cycle, 1 girl, 1 family, 1 village at a time, as we raise the GDP of countries, further increase access to education for girls.
Soroptimist International Canada West Online Set Up a Table to Raise Funds for Girls Matter at the Region Conference:
