Meet our founders: Leonie Keogh

Our founders, Leonie, Sarah and Fiona, have worked for over 15 years to support independent, dignified and bright futures for women and girls in Nepal.

They met in Nepal and formed Project Didi in 2014. They chose the name Didi, which is a respectful term for older sister in Nepali, as it reflected the supportive, collaborative role they wanted to take in Nepal, one working in partnership with local organisations.

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Do you have any dreams for Project Didi and our work in Nepal?

I hope Project Didi's work in Nepal will continue to grow and be able to help more of those in need. I would also like to see us develop programs that support self-sufficiency and independence. In Australia, I hope we can raise more awareness and support for the issues facing many women and girls in Nepal.

Why is volunteering important to you?

I am very fortunate to be living in Australia with the luxuries and freedoms that we sometimes take for granted.  There are so many causes in the world that need support and it can sometimes be overwhelming to know where to start. We don't need to change the world but if we can each do something small  - that will lead to greater change.

Leonie on one of Project Didi's women's trips to Nepal with Mt. Everest in the background.

Where is your happy place?

Can I cheat and have two? My home on my farm is one of my happy places. Being in Nepal and working with the girls at Asha Nepal is the other.  

What is a trip that changed you and why?

My very first trip to Nepal changed me. I ran a photography workshop with some of the young women at Asha Nepal and saw that the course made a difference and had a positive impact on them. I was also blown away by their strength, resilience and ability to trust after going through extreme circumstances.  I think I got just as much from them as they from me.

What is the best piece of advice you have ever received?

It doesn’t cost anything to be nice.

What would you share about Nepal with someone who hasn't been there before?

On arrival, your first impression of Nepal will be of a crazy, chaotic country but you will leave Nepal having fallen love with the people, culture and landscape.