DMI Mission

The Daughters of Mary Immaculate, widely known as DMI, is an apostolic congregation of women religious founded in 1984 by Dr. Rev. J. E. Arulraj. Rooted in the charism of evangelization and development, DMI is committed to serving in the remotest corners of the world through its socio- pastoral mission.

Since 2003, DMI missionaries from India have extended their services to the Archdioceses of Dar es Salaam, Juba, Wau, Lusaka, Chipata, Lilongwe, Mangochi, Bangui, and Ethiopia. Today, our global mission spans Asia, Africa, Europe, and the Pacific, reaching communities in India, South Sudan, Tanzania, Zambia, Malawi, the Central African Republic, Ethiopia, Papua New Guinea, the USA, Italy, and Kenya. Through deep engagement with local cultures and partnerships with dioceses and community leaders, we ensure our programs address the real needs of the people we serve.

Our mission focuses on education, women’s empowerment, child development, prevention of human trafficking, humanitarian assistance, and vocational training. We provide formal, non-formal, and technical education; equip women and youth with livelihood skills; advocate for children’s rights; and offer rehabilitation and reintegration programs for survivors of trafficking. In times of crisis, we deliver essential relief to communities affected by conflict and disaster. Every program is designed to foster peace, self-reliance, and holistic development—regardless of religion or background.

Under the leadership of Rev. Sr. Vijili Dali, and supported by 393 sisters and 1,453 lay staff, DMI now impacts the lives of over one million women, children, youth, and families worldwide. Our human-centered, faith-driven approach continues to inspire transformation, helping people break the cycle of poverty and build lives of dignity, purpose, and hope.

Our Approach

At the heart of the Daughters of Mary Immaculate (DMI) Global Mission is a commitment to holistic, human-centered, and faith-driven development. We blend spiritual values with practical action, ensuring every program addresses the physical, emotional, social, and spiritual needs of the communities we serve. We believe true transformation begins with dignity, respect, and empowerment.

Community-Rooted Solutions

DMI works in close partnership with local dioceses, community leaders, governments, and grassroots organizations to design interventions that reflect the unique realities of each context. We prioritize listening to the people we serve, integrating their voices and cultural wisdom into every stage—from planning to implementation and evaluation. Integrated Development Model

Our work combines education, economic empowerment, women’s rights, child protection, peacebuilding, health awareness, and humanitarian assistance to address poverty from multiple angles. By linking these sectors, we create sustainable pathways for individuals and communities to thrive—even in conflict-affected or disaster-prone areas. Sustainability and Capacity Building

We invest in training local leaders, teachers, women’s groups, and youth to carry the mission forward. This ensures our impact extends far beyond our direct involvement, creating lasting change for generations to come.

Faith in Action

Guided by the Gospel and inspired by our vision “Loving God and Serving the Poor to be Fully Human and Fully Alive,” DMI serves people of all faiths and backgrounds. Our faith calls us to stand alongside the most marginalized, building a world where justice, peace, and hope flourish.

Our Target Populations

The Daughters of Mary Immaculate (DMI) Global Mission serves some of the world’s most marginalized, vulnerable, and underserved communities, focusing on those who face systemic barriers to education, safety, health, and economic opportunity. Our programs are designed to respond to the unique needs of each group, ensuring dignity, protection, and empowerment.

Women and Girls

We work with women and girls who are at risk of exploitation, trafficking, early marriage, and gender-based violence. Our programs equip them with education, vocational skills, leadership training, and the confidence to advocate for their rights.

Children and Youth

Our mission prioritizes children and youth from poor, rural, conflict-affected, and disaster-prone areas. We provide access to formal and non-formal education, child protection services, life skills training, and safe spaces for growth and development.

Vulnerable Families and Communities

We serve families affected by poverty, displacement, war, natural disasters, and armed conflict—including war-affected (returnee) families striving to rebuild their lives after displacement. Through humanitarian assistance, livelihood support, and community capacity building, we help them recover with dignity and resilience.

Survivors and At-Risk Individuals

DMI provides rescue, rehabilitation, and reintegration support to survivors of human trafficking, abuse, person with disabilities, and other forms of exploitation. We also focus on prevention, raising awareness, and strengthening community networks to protect those most at risk.

Wherever we work, our mission is clear—to stand with those on the margins, restore hope, and open pathways to a life of dignity, safety, and opportunity.