I never thought in my lifetime that I would witness something so powerful, heartwarming and inspiring.
It’s called Women UNlimited – UNICEF Canada’s women-circled giving collective. The model is simple yet profound: Collective Action, Collective Impact.
As a UNICEF Canada ambassador, this journey has been one filled with hope, resilience and the very real possibility of creating a better future for women and children. Every day, I am honoured to be part of this historic movement, one that is helping shape the lives of communities and entire generations.
So, why am I so passionate about Women UNlimited? Do you want to know the magic behind it? Imagine this: Women UNlimited has impacted the lives of more than 2.3 million children globally. Let that number sink in — millions of children whose lives have been touched, transformed and who have been given a chance to thrive. And here we are, writing the next chapter of a legacy that started with a simple idea — bringing women together to help change the world for good.
But how did we even get here? I’ve always believed that designing and building a better future requires understanding how it all began, where we are today, and where we are headed.
I remember the beginning of this journey vividly. I was invited by the UNICEF Canada team to share with an exceptional group of women across the country how UNICEF helps change the lives of children. It was a pivotal moment. As we gathered, a beautiful initiative was taking shape, launched during the same time Canada was hosting the Women’s World Cup. We called ourselves the 25th Team, a name that symbolized our determination to make a difference off the field. The initiative raised millions and sparked change for children around the world. It was life-changing and we knew we had something special.
That success laid the foundation for what would become Women UNlimited — UNICEF Canada’s women-led giving collective. And, yes, we are truly unlimited. From the dedicated UNICEF Canada team to the inspiring ambassadors and exceptional women across Canada, we embarked on a mission — a mission that has since impacted the lives of more than 2.3 million children and families through $12 million in funding grants. I told you it was impressive, didn’t I?
UNICEF, as the world’s farthest-reaching humanitarian organization for children, works in more than 190 countries. We rise to meet the challenges facing children everywhere, ensuring their rights are realized. But this incredible work is powered by the generosity of those who believe in collective impact — women coming together to make a difference.
Through Women UNlimited, we foster community-driven solutions that create lasting change for women, children and families. From helping to improve early childhood education in Mongolia, to access to STEM education for girls in Ghana, to addressing school and community violence in Bolivia. Every day, I meet incredible women dedicated to making the world a better place and their generosity inspires me endlessly.
To the powerhouses and changemakers out there, this is my personal invitation to you. Join us in creating lasting impact through collective giving. Together, we are shaping the future of philanthropy, learning from experts and making real decisions that benefit women and children worldwide. Here’s to the inspiring movement we’re building — one that will be felt for generations to come.
I look forward to meeting you across Canada and hosting you in New York this January, where we will deepen our collective education.
If you are ready to be part of this movement, please reach out to us at womenunlimited@unicef.ca
or call 1-800-308-3248. The future is bright and together we are Women UNlimited.
Solange Tuyishime Keita is the president and founder of Elevate International and a global ambassador for UNICEF Canada.
