Women in Rotary

Women today are involved in Rotary as members, club presidents and regional leaders. They are also members of Rotaract and Interact clubs (Rotary-sponsored service clubs for youth), participants in Rotary educational and humanitarian programs, and recipients of services provided by Rotary dubs.

When Rotary was established in 1905, its membership rules reflected society at that time, hut these rules changed in 1987. The U.S. Supreme Court ruled in 1987 that a California state law requiring service clubs to admit women was not a violation of the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. In response, the Rotary International Board of Directors issued a policy statement allowing Rotary clubs in any U.S. state to invite qualified women into membership.

In 1988 the Rotary International Board recognized the right of Rotary clubs in Canada to admit women. In 1989, Rotary's legislative body, the Council on Legislation, which meets every three years, voted to eliminate the requirement that Rotary club membership be limited to males, permitting clubs worldwide to admit women. Proposals to admit women were first made to the Council on Legislation in 1972.

Changes in membership rules began in 1978, when a California Rotary club challenged the male-only provision after the club admitted two female members. Because the club was in violation of the Rotary International constitution, its charter was revoked. The club sued in the California courts. In 1983, the California trial court ruled that Rotary's membership policies did not violate state law. The California Court of Appeals in 1986 reversed the lower court's decision. The California Supreme Court refused to hear the case, and an appeal was presented to the U.S. Supreme Court.

Rotary International encourages all Rotary clubs to admit qualified women to reflect a cross-section of community business and professional leadership. True community representation enables Rotary clubs to serve most effectively.

Pudu Rotary Club

DISTRICT 3300 MALAYSIA

Women in Rotary