History of Women in Rotary Until 1989, the Constitution and Bylaws of Rotary International stated that Rotary club membership was for males only. www.rotaryvieast.org

In 1978, the Rotary Club of Duarte, California, USA, invited three women to become members. The RI Board withdrew the charter of that club for violation of the RI constitution. The club brought suit against RI claiming a violation of a state civil rights law that prevents discrimination of any form in business establishments or public accommodations. The appeals court …