(Courtesy of Jennifer Jones becomes Rotary International’s first female president – after 117 years | TheCable)
By Ehi Braimah
Women all over the world are recording significant accomplishments in different fields and the story is not different in Rotary International, a humanitarian service and fellowship organisation founded on February 23, 1905, by Chicago, Illinois attorney, Paul P. Harris (April 19, 1868 – January 27, 1947), when he formed the Rotary Club of Chicago.
That was a long time ago and you may not believe it but Jennifer E. Jones, a member of the Rotary Club of Windsor-Roseland, Ontario, Canada, past district governor of District 6400 and past vice president of Rotary International (2016-2017), will assume office on July 1 as the first female president of Rotary International – after 117 years of the founding of the global organisation. If that is not a glass ceiling-shattering achievement, what else should we call it?
Jones, an accomplished achiever and distinguished Rotarian, was nominated two years ago for this role and she is eminently qualified and fit for the task ahead. As she spoke and shared her vision at the recently concluded Rotary International Convention which was held at the George R. Brown Convention Centre in downtown Houston, Texas, USA, from June 4 to 8, she received a standing ovation. She urged Rotarians to use the brand power of Rotary to “transform the world”.
Jones believes Rotarians should “dream big and harness their connections and the power of Rotary to turn those dreams into reality”. In a special report for Rotary International, senior writer and content editor, Ryan Hyland, explained that Jones is keen to focus on two key demographics: female membership and members under the age of forty years.
She said these demographics need to “see their own reflection in leadership”. This should not come as a surprise because Rotary’s diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) statement creates a level playing field for all Rotarians. Rotary is committed to treating everyone with respect and dignity, allowing everyone’s voice to be heard and providing equitable opportunities for fellowship, service and leadership.
In the report, Jones said she will “champion double-digit growth in both categories while never losing sight of our entire family”. She also pledged to grow Rotary by hosting DEI Summits to create leadership opportunities that foster balance across the membership in Rotary. In a complex and changing world, our priorities keep changing but our ability to adapt is important for survival. No one prepared for the COVID-19 pandemic that challenged our common humanity.
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