Rotary for a new era: Launching the Rotary Club of Empowering Women and Girls

After a life-changing experience at the Rotary International Assembly, a new online club was born with a mission to empower women and girls.

WORDS: Susan Gillespie. President, Rotary eClub of Empowering Women and Girls.

In early 2024, I had the privilege of attending the Rotary International Assembly in Orlando, US, alongside my husband, one of 540 incoming district governors elect. I expected to enjoy the experience – but I didn’t expect it to change the course of my life. Immersed in a week of inspiring speeches, workshops and global fellowship, I finally understood the deeper heartbeat of Rotary: Service Above Self. It reminded me of the same sense of purpose and global citizenship I had once felt as a young Army officer.

What moved me most was discovering how Rotary is evolving – embracing cause-based clubs, online formats and flexible models to suit a new generation of Rotarians. I became inspired not just to join Rotary, but to help shape its future. I wasn’t looking for a traditional community club – I was seeking something different, something aligned with my personal values and life experience.

That’s when the idea was born. I had been deeply struck by Rotary International Past President Shekhar Mehta’s global initiative, Empowering Girls, and I’d also become friends with a Rotarian in the US who helped launch a cause-based club around empowering girls in their local area. After returning home to Australia and doing more research, I told my husband:

I want to start a new online, cause-based club dedicated to empowering women and girls.” The Rotary Club of Empowering Women and Girls became my project – and my passion.

The club name was intentional. While many efforts focus solely on girls or adult women, I wanted our mission to encompass both, recognising that each stage of life presents unique challenges and opportunities. From education to leadership, safety to self-worth, our club aims to raise awareness, advocate for equality, and take practical steps to empower women and girls everywhere. As someone who has worked in male-dominated environments – from the military to media – I know first-hand the importance of raising voices and creating pathways for change.

Building a club from scratch

In my typical independent and methodical style, I set about building the club myself – although I had the benefit of a ‘district governor on tap’ whenever I had a question. my.rotary.org became my guiding light, particularly the nine steps in ‘Starting a Rotary Club’. I was pleasantly surprised to learn I’d already completed the first three steps: identifying an opportunity, seeking expert advice (my husband), and making a communication plan.

With district support secured, we contacted the Rotary International South Pacific and Philippines Office (RISPPO) to obtain provisional status and formal approval for the club name. I created a short and engaging presentation outlining the club’s cause, structure and mission, and shared it across my personal and Rotary networks. We also promoted the new club during our district governor club visits – an approach that sparked a lot of interest and support.

To ensure connection and clarity, I hosted online information sessions, where potential members could ask questions, meet one another and get excited about the club’s vision. The response confirmed I was onto something. Within just two months, we had 20 charter members. From there, we held regular virtual meetings, transitioned into organisational planning and officially chartered our club – an exciting milestone that we celebrated online together.

Our current members range in age from 18 to over 60 years old. Around a quarter were already involved in Rotary or had been members previously, with the remainder brand new to the Rotary family. Members currently hail from Brisbane, Sunshine Coast, Maryborough, Hervey Bay, Mackay, Cairns and even Timor-Leste – demonstrating the global reach of an online, cause-based club. We welcome new members from anywhere who share our passion for empowering women and girls.

A cause worth serving

While we’re still in the early stages of development, the club has already made incredible progress. We’ve created a Club Plan for 2025-26, which focuses on sustainability, foundational growth and member engagement. Our goals are clear: grow and retain membership, deliver manageable projects, fundraise meaningfully, and champion our cause with energy and purpose.

We’ve launched two flagship projects. First, is our Monthly Online Speaker Series, which brings credible, inspiring voices to our members and guests on topics related to empowering women and girls. These sessions are supported by online resources, tools and links that are freely available on our website.

Our second major initiative is an international education project in Timor-Leste. We’re providing scholarships for girls who would otherwise miss out on schooling due to financial hardship. This support will help girls access primary and secondary education, vocational training and even tertiary study – creating life-changing opportunities for them, their families and their communities.

The Rotary Club of Empowering Women and Girls is more than a club – it’s a movement. And we’re just getting started.

To learn more, support our projects or become a member, visit rotaryclubempoweringwomenandgirls.org