It all started with an idea to have a celebration for women in Rotary District 9211. District 9211 comprised of Uganda and Tanzania in the Eastern region of Africa. The Rotary District has had several accomplishments over the years including producing the late Rotary International President Elect Sam Frobisher Owori.
The Rotary journey which begun in Uganda in 1957 currently boasts of about 43% female membership. However, ever since women were admitted into Rotary in 1987, it took more than 30 years for Uganda to produce its first female District Governor in the year 2020/21., DG Rosetti Nabbumba Nayenga.
With the end in mind, District Governor Rosetti envisioned a celebration in honor of females’ achievements and contributions in Rotary service at the District Conference and Assembly for Rotary District 9211. The celebration would also mark the end of an era and the beginning of a new dawn with a birth of two Rotary districts 9213 and 9214 which were officially handed over by DG Roettti not only as the first female for Uganda but also the last governor for District 9211. Prior to the celebrations, it was necessary to build capacity for more female leaders using a platform that would elevate and highlight their contributions in Rotary. Service.
A district program called Rotary Roses was born and launched on 8thAugust 2020 with a primary goal of attracting and engaging more females in Rotary as well as enhancing the contribution of women in community service and leadership. The program was open to both male and female who had a passion of empowering women. The program also supported mentorship programs of the Rotaractors Ladies Initiative and implemented service projects addressing menstrual and maternal child health. On18th June 2021, the program gave birth to an international fellowship registered with Rotary International.
The Rotary Fellowship for Empowering Women is now focused to widen its membership base through establishing local chapters (consulates) across the globe.