WOMEN YES!
Rotary around the world coasted along for
over 75 years being an all men’s organization
as clubs flourished around the world
especially on the Asian rim.
In about 1978, a club in California had
the gall to admit women. It was kicked out of
Rotary because it was against the rules. The
issue went to the courts. The Supreme Court
decided against this form of gender
discrimination in 1987. Rotary let women
join. A half dozen years later, there were
over 20 thousand women in Rotary.
About the same time, the T-M Rotary
admitted three women. This step was not met
with total agreement by the membership, but
my recollection is that the clear majority of
members favored the move.
We as a club and international service
organization are blessed to now experience
the talents and good will of “the other half”
of the world’s population.
Rotary around the world coasted along for
over 75 years being an all men’s organization
as clubs flourished around the world
especially on the Asian rim.
In about 1978, a club in California had
the gall to admit women. It was kicked out of
Rotary because it was against the rules. The
issue went to the courts. The Supreme Court
decided against this form of gender
discrimination in 1987. Rotary let women
join. A half dozen years later, there were
over 20 thousand women in Rotary.
About the same time, the T-M Rotary
admitted three women. This step was not met
with total agreement by the membership, but
my recollection is that the clear majority of
members favored the move.
We as a club and international service
organization are blessed to now experience
the talents and good will of “the other half”
of the world’s population.