MESSAGE FROM THE DISTRICT GOVERNOR
We have come a long way, but not far enough. March 8th is International Women’s Day, a timely opportunity to reflect on and discuss gender equality. Where does Rotary stand as an organization? Since 1987 women in Rotary have become a growing voice for leadership. But after three decades, we still have not had a woman appointed to RI President. I would like to see that happen. Change takes courage and I believe we are ready to move forward.The World Economics Forum has some very sobering statistics. The U.S. ranks 45th in the world for gender equality. Gender inequality is a focus of public attention now more than ever and this sheds light on the importance of bringing more women into leadership roles to help effect gender equality and achieve better balance.
The more women that are employed outside of the home, the greater the impact to global growth. A recent report estimated that if women were to play an “identical role in labor markets to that of men,” the economic impact could result in as much as 26% growth to global GDP. These numbers are profound. Currently, it will take 100 years to close the gender gap.
Some of the barriers holding women back are universal. In the same report mentioned above, it states that over 90% of countries have one or more gender-based legal restrictions. These include property rights, discrimination, access to finance, as well as societal pressures to name a few.
That said, we are seeing areas of progress in other countries. It is now illegal in Iceland to pay men more than women. This is a call to action for Rotarians who own businesses or are executives to let us extend our leadership to ensure gender equality.
Awareness is a key factor. We must take action. Enabling women to find meaningful employment, and fill leadership roles is critical. But, we must also address the framework that allows women to successfully manage work/life balance. These are all big complex issues but ones that need to be addressed.
It takes courage to have men change from our current model and accept equality for all sexes. There is still a glass ceiling for women and other disenfranchised members of our community and I would like to see a concerted effort to help forge a pathway that breaks down many of the barriers to the glass ceiling. Much of today’s conversation encompasses movements including #equalpay and #metoo. Time’s Person of the Year was – The Silence Breakers. These movements opened up space for all of the women who are coming forth now to tell their stories. The tides are changing. It is time for women to finally get their place and share the helm of society.
As a father of 3 daughters, I have observed first-hand that women in our society often get mistreated because of gender perceptions. We need to come together as a community to address this topic and I believe the way to bring gender equality is to open the doors to even more leadership positions to women.
As Rotarians, we are by definition, leaders. From the beginning, the Rotary Club was focused on promoting high ethical standards. This is evident in the Four-Way-Test. Of the things we think, say or do:
- Is it the TRUTH?
- Is it FAIR to all concerned?
- Will it build GOODWILL and BETTER FRIENDSHIPS?
- Will it be BENEFICIAL to all concerned?
It must be beneficial to ALL concerned especially when it comes to gender equality. Of the 1.2 million men and women in Rotary working to improve the lives of people in their communities as well as around the world, about 250,000 of them are women. I would like to see that number increase substantially and I know I am not alone. Our leadership is very focused on raising the number of women in leadership roles, but to do so we must see women as the powerful leaders they are. We are an organization that has achieved amazing results and overcome hurdles. We address complex issues. We have the infrastructure and the incredible pool of talent and heart to lead the way to change. I challenge each one of us encourage more women leaders in your own club which are often perceived as the old boys club.
Women bring a different perspective to fellowship and global understanding.
International Women’s Day has been observed for over 100 years and is now celebrated around the world. The theme this year is #PressforProgress. Let’s celebrate International Women’s Day on March 8th by honoring the women in our clubs, at our offices, in our families, and in our neighborhoods. This day celebrates women and their political, social, economic, and cultural achievements. Let’s also remember those women who are mothers.
Our local schools are participating as well. Grant Ranch School, a Denver Public School, will be participating in a contest sponsored by Snapchat and World Forward to celebrate the many achievements of Colorado women.
As Rotarians, we are great at motivating others and uniting friends. We should also take time to celebrate our wives, daughters, sisters and family members who are mothers.
Here is a list of some of the amazing leaders in our District who are wonderful Rotarians and I celebrate their presence in our District: Gail Lehrman, MJ Ewing, Mary Kay Haz, Peggy Halderman, Sandy Mortenson, Nan Jarvis, Karen Loeb, Jan Lovelady, Courtney Cowgill, Christa Reich, Ann Tull, Lou Anne Epperson, Debra Fine, Kim DeCoste, Bev Mendel… and many more. Each of these women has been in a leadership role or has contributed a great deal to Rotary through projects of their choice within the US, abroad, or both.
Let us make a difference. Let us lead the way as Rotarians. Please reach out and tell me how I and the District can help. Change starts here. We need everyone to be involved as we continue to level the playing field and achieve greatness as individuals and as an organization. Rotary is the finest Service Organization in the world; I truly believe that. Let’s prove it!
Yours in Rotary
TRAINING & EVENTS