Who wants to be ‘average’? Who wants to represent ‘mean’?
At a time when Rotary International is pleased to see female membership grow to 16% (at the end of the 2009-2010 year), Rogers Rotary boasts 32%.
All the good that comes fromour balanced membership – and Roger’s welcoming, inclusive culture – didn’t happen that easily in history.
The first constitution of the Rotary Club of Club #1, adopted in January 1906, makes no reference to membership gender; it refers only to "persons". However, that did not open the door to women, Women in Rotary: A Totted History is a fascinating timeline of women who sought to be Rotarian’s, male members who fought for and against them, and the legal battles that raged. Minneapolis’ and Duluth’s all-women Rotary clubs are featured in this article, written by a new Zealand Rotarian.
In January 1989, Rotary International’s Council on Legislation voted to change the Constitution to permit the admission of women into Rotary.