Blue Rose / Advisor Rotary Roses
In 2012/2013, I had the honor to serve as the Last Country Chair for D9200. I also had the honor to speak at the dinner which was held in honor of Rotary International President Sakuji Tanaka who was visiting our D9200 during his tour of duty.
I was required to give an update of what was making Rotary “tick’ in Uganda. I gave 5 reasons and top among them was the growing number of women in Rotary in Uganda. In 2012/13 our District had women make up 28% of the membership against an international women membership at 20%. That year, in the history of D9200 we had Geeta Manek as the first lady Governor for as far back as the District history could go.
This trend has only gotten better as the percentage of women in D9211 stands close to 43%while internationally we are only at 23%. The Rotary Roses program is here to consolidate this achievement and target to get to the true parity of membership of 50%. Most times when you’re about to hit the target, the stretch and effort must be doubled and the Rotary Roses program would like not only to keep the momentum to the target but it also wishes to ensure that the substance in the women membership is maintained and raised where gaps may exist. I am happy to have been part of this journey as it was during my year as Governor that the Women in Rotary idea was born by World Class President Flavia Serugo.
“ Women have brought the “software” that looks out more for the community than self. They mind business beyond their destination and are able to see the dire needs in the communities.”
Women have brought the “software” that looks out more for the community than self. They mind business beyond their destination and are able to see the dire needs in the communities. Women’s commitment and passion to the cause cannot be over emphasized. That supported with men’s determination and fundraising muscle has moved Rotary in D9211 places among other aspects.
As an advisor to the Rotary Roses program, I wish to urge especially the men to support this program so that our spouses, sisters, parents, female relatives and daughters can find safe and meaningful spaces and platforms in Rotary clubs to thrive through friendship, service and network capital formation
