During the month of March, Women’s History is acknowledged, celebrated and welcomed. Women’s contributions to historical events and in our present society is admirable. We effortlessly balance our careers along with family life, personal health matters and the demands from society. With so many challenges presented to women throughout history, it is a wonder to see so many bright futures and endless possibilities.
In other countries though, some women are confined to the home, can’t work outside the home or attend college. Unfortunately, women in some countries are still denied basic human freedoms, where conflict and sexual violence are present and resources run scarce. We have had the opportunity, freedom and basic human rights that are still not accepted elsewhere.
Luckily, Rotary is an essential tool to show the benefit and importance of women in leadership. Through humanitarian work, women and children’s health and research; Rotary is leading in female leadership. To think, it wasn’t until 1989 women were allowed in Rotary. There are original Rotary Anns still alive to date! So much advancement in our society and Rotary has occurred regarding women’s equal rights.
Presently, females in leadership is nothing new, from politics, to medicine, from breaking barriers in society, to nourishing today and tomorrow’s leaders. And advancing their Rotary clubs!
Heartfelt thank you to all of the women out there making a difference in their community, cultivating their families growth, and building strong connections. Just to name a few Sheroes: Maya Angelou, Harriet Tubman, Misty Copeland, & Kamala Harris. But, to this day, strong female leaders are never without experiencing unfair treatment, judgement and prejudice.
In a world that needs more non-threatening and nurturing figures, women are dominating the non-profit sectors, healthcare and politics more than ever. Perseverance, resilience and impressive strength to raise a child, work 40+ hours a week and be the rock of their own unique and specific community. That requires much balance, focus and intelligence.
The women who came before us, they fought a good fight for our gender equity from the beginning. They forged a path for all of the female leadership thereafter to thrive, succeed and rise. Although there are still obstacles for women such as unequal pay in the workforce, still we rise as a voice for every woman and girl, everywhere.
“Every woman's success should be an inspiration to another. We're strongest when we cheer each other on.”