More than 150 years ago, women made an intricate mark in history when they rallied against unfair working conditions in a New York factory setting. It took another 42 years before women were observed and honored internationally for their roles in the working force.
It was a great year in March of 1981 when Congress established National Women's History Week and later in 1987 expanded to National Women's History Month. Later, Congress passed a resolution and the president issued a proclamation honoring women each year thereafter.
That year was a historic and joyful turning point for women because they were given the opportunity to become Kiwanians.
Ever since then, there has been no looking back in the depths and fulfillment of what the Kiwanis women have done to give that extra touch to the projects and roles that they took on in their Kiwanis club, division, district or even internationally.
Women play significant roles in membership, they chair club projects, they hone their skills as secretaries, treasurers, presidents, lieutenant governors, governors and a few have become International Chairs for Kiwanis.
The census shows that there are more than 150 million women in the United States, with the average salary more than $35,000. More than 80 million women are mothers, more than 30 million have bachelors degrees and a high percentage are owners of businesses. A high percentage of women are in the work force in management, as doctors, nurses, professional and other related occupations, and another 200,0000 plus are in the Armed forces, many of whom are officers. The caring and giving of these women in their professional lives and in their roles of parenting and sharing, makes them some of our greatest Kiwanians.
These women give from the depths of their being and our clubs and our children are extremely proud of them and of the day that women in the world became members of Kiwanis International.
Column Posted on Web Site April 22, 2012
Kiwanis is a global organization of volunteers dedicated