Rotary International has a different theme for each month of the Rotary year. In October the theme is Economic and Community Development. One of the global drivers of economic development is the fact that women throughout the world are increasingly becoming entrepreneurs. This is especially critical in developing countries, where women frequently are not allowed to work anywhere outside of the home. Rotary and Rotary Clubs have long engaged in efforts to overcome these barriers, and in addition Rotary Clubs increasingly are encouraging women to join Rotary. In fact, District 7190 recently received a regional award for growth in membership by women!
The excerpted article below was posted on the Rotary International website and showcases the efforts of clubs in the Denver CO area to work with women's empowerment in Zimbabwe.
WOMEN'S EMPOWERMENT THROUGH ECONOMIC & COMPUTER TRAINING
Posted by Carolyn Schrader (Denver Mile High) schrader407@gmail.com
Rotary Grants developed by the Rotary Clubs of Denver Mile High and Highlands in Zimbabwe have been delivering economic and computer trainings to high-density communities in Harare Zimbabwe since 2009. Almost 100 Rotarians have contributed their time and expertise to develop and deliver the training and oversight for these grants. Over 6,000 women and youth have learned to save money and use their own savings to start and manage small businesses.
With their newly acquired computer skills, they track their finances and stay in touch with their families around the world. Over 250,000 people have benefited by these projects.
RYLA is designed to grow leadership skills in students who have untapped leadership potential. Specifically, we are focusing on juniors in high school. Our program is not for the student who is already utilizing strong leadership skills or students who have no desire to develop such skills. .png?_=636746072847100950)
