Recognizing and Empowering Women on International Women’s Day
Imagine what would happen if every girl around the world woke up each morning believing that she had the power to make change. What problems can we solve when more girls and women are given an equal voice and the same opportunities?
International Women’s Day is 8 March, and we’re celebrating everyone who is dedicated to improving the quality of life for women around the world. I’m proud that this is part of Rotary’s vision and of our commitment to the Empowering Girls initiative.
In 2022, four women and two men were honored as People of Action: Champions of Girls’ Empowerment for their extraordinary dedication to initiatives that enable women to thrive.
Rotary members are involved in projects that empower women across many areas of focus: 
- Clubs in places like Jamaica and Nigeria have worked with community partners to provide hygiene products so girls don’t miss school during their menstrual cycles.
- Cervical cancer screenings in Nigeria and a mobile breast cancer screening unit in India have helped women access preventive health care.
- Economic development projects such as a fair-trade cooperative in India and a microfinance loan program in Uganda help women achieve economic independence.
In Pakistan, female health care workers are doing amazing outreach to convince mothers to vaccinate their children. More than 60% of vaccinators in the country are women, and it’s thanks to their tireless efforts over several decades that eradication of the wild poliovirus in Pakistan is within reach.
This International Women’s Day, join RI President Jennifer Jones and the entire Rotary family in making a gift to The Rotary Foundation to honor the people who are carrying out this vital work or to honor someone who inspires you. When we create opportunities for girls, we empower them to believe that anything is possible. Empowered girls become motivated women who contribute to their communities and help shape our future. Won’t you join me in supporting this next generation of people of action?
#EmpowerGirlsNow
Interested in getting members and you club involved in the Empowering Girls Initiative and a project or activity to #EmpowerGirlsNow? Contact the Empowering Girls District 7030 Advocate - Maria Mohammed-Maharaj - for more information and assistance.
Check out some of the projects taking place in our region via Rotary Showcase and ensure to add yours so that everyone can view and recognize the great work your club is doing.
Become a Club Advocate for Empowering Girls to ensure that the work your members do to improve the lives of girls in your community is meaningful, impactful and sustainable.
Rotary Empowers Girls @ UN Commission on the Status of Women NGO Forum
Now in its 2nd year, Rotary International's Empowering Girls Initiative promotes a focus on improving the lives of girls through effective and impactful projects and activities as key and necessary actions that are important to improving the health, education, well-being, and economic security of girls across the globe. Empowering girls means supporting them to ensure that their basic needs are met while working to transform the structures and institutions that reinforce and perpetuate gender discrimination and inequality. It includes helping girls develop self-confidence and make their voices heard.
Rotary clubs across the globe support over 200 Empowering Girl projects and activities related to: supporting access to health care and nutrition; ensuring access to water, sanitation, and hygiene resources; preventing exploitation, neglect, and physical and emotional violence; supplying menstrual health and hygiene resources; providing access to basic education, skills training, and technology; preventing or raising awareness about child labor and child marriage; and, offering opportunities for girls to elevate their voices and articulate their views, ideas, and opinions.
This session will explore what it means to #EmpowerGirlsNow in a variety of contexts and celebrate success stories of Rotary's Empowering Girls Initiative across the globe.
Join our amazing leadership at the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women NGO Forum and hear from RI Director Jeremy Hurst, RI President Nominee Stephanie Urchick, RI Director Elizabeth Usovicz, RI Empowering Girls Global Ambassadors Thandeka Tutu-Gxashe and Zebu Jilani and RI President Jennifer Jones as we discuss incredible programs and initiatives that #EmpowerGirlsNow.
Rotary International's International Women's Day Events
Register for Rotary International's #IWD2023 events to connect, reflect, and build community.
Join Rotary International March 8-13 as it celebrates women's achievements, raises awareness about the barriers women around the world face at work and beyond, and builds a supportive community to take collective action for equity.
Your registration includes:
- March 8: Facebook Live Conversation with Rotary International President Jennifer Jones, VP Nicki Scott, and special guests! Follow Rotary on Facebook to take part in this event. We will also celebrate the recipient of the 2023 Sylvia Whitlock Leadership Award, which honors an inspiring Rotarian whose contributions actively work to advance women in Rotary - https://fb.me/e/39UsaA66n
- March 9: Embracing Equity at Work and Beyond: A Panel Conversation. This 60-minute panel conversation will be offered twice - you choose the time that works best for your schedule. The panel will discuss the State of Women Leaders and consider what we can gain by embracing equity.
- March 13: Connect and Reflect: A Networking Opportunity During these 45-minute small group discussions, you can connect with other attendees, broaden your networks, and begin to develop an action plan for embracing equity at work and beyond. This session will be offered three times so you can choose the time that works best for you.
- Bonus Daily Content: You will receive additional content with interviews, insights, and opportunities to connect with other attendees on these topics:
- March 10: The Burnout Epidemic: If You Are Tired, You Are Not Alone
- March 11: Embracing Empathetic Leadership: Promoting a Life-Life Balance
- March 12: Building Truly Inclusive Cultures: Changing Systems or Changing Behavior?
- March 13: Unpacking Your Leadership Toolkit: The Courage to Lead
Visit the event page to learn more about featured speakers and why equity matters. This will be updated as additional speakers are confirmed.
Register now and share with friends!
Looking for an amazing and informative presentation for International Women's Day? Check out this Prezi by Monserrat Molina