Rotary International, once a male-only organisation, reached an historic milestone in 2022 when Jennifer Jones of Canada became the first female Rotary International president, followed by Stephanie Urchick in 2024.
In 1989, Sylvia Whitlock of California challenged the organisation’s constitution, leading to a landmark decision that welcomed women into Rotary. She famously said, “Rotary is not just about service; it’s about courage, inclusion and the power of one voice to change the world.”
The first woman club president in Africa was Eubeth Beyers from Kleinmond. Later Sherry Justus became president of the Hermanus club (2004-’05). She was followed by Ann Wright (2018-’19), who also became the club’s first district governor in 2023-’24. Jenny Howard was the third woman president (2022-’23) with Natalie Scholtz in the role in 2024-’25. Today, women make up 45% of District 9350’s membership.
To mark Women’s Month, six past district governors and the current governor of District 9350 gathered to reflect on their journeys and the power of women supporting women. They remain actively involved in club and district initiatives, mentoring others and driving change. Among them is PDG June Webber of Waterfront Rotary, the first female district governor across 47 sub-Saharan countries during Rotary’s centennial year, 2004-’05. She led the impactful “Kick Polio Out of Africa” campaign, sending a soccer ball signed by Archbishop Desmond Tutu through 24 countries ahead of the 2010 World Cup.
Shân Biesman-Simon, a multitasking trailblazer, balanced a full-time career, Rotary leadership and family during her 2010–’11 term. Her successor, the late Geraldine Nicol of Newlands Rotary (2015-’16), spearheaded a R5,8 million project in Langa that included teacher training and sanitation improvements. Lynette Stassen, a professional engineer and 2017-’18 governor, described Rotary as the most rewarding part of her life. She added: “It’s the best gift you can give yourself as a woman.”
Governor Tracey Wilson (2022-’23) secured a US$25 000 (R439 089) Rotary International Disaster Grant for Ukraine, enabling District 9350 to send 500 first-aid kits and 120 power banks through Rotary’s global network.
“Words may inspire, but action creates change,” she said.
Ann Wright of Hermanus, the 2023-’24 Governor, stated: “I joined Rotary to connect with changemakers who share my values.” Ann played a key role in hosting an Inter-Country Committee Peace Conference in Cape Town, which culminated in the opening of a Rotary Peace Garden at Century City.
The current governor for 2025-’26, Pamela Rawbone of Bellville Rotary, brings her passion for youth development and organisational excellence. “During my visits to our 59 clubs located in Angola, Namibia and the western half of South Africa I will be encouraging women to take up senior roles in Rotary.”
Wright pointed out: “Leadership is not about being in charge, it’s about creating space for others to thrive.”
