Hawai'i Rotary Past District Governor (2021-2022) Sandy Matsui, a dedicated Rotarian for over 30 years, shares her inspiring Rotary journey, which began with overcoming barriers as a woman in Rotary. Now serving as the Zone 26 Ambassador for Empowering Girls, Sandy is passionate about fulfilling Rotary International's legacy to empower girls, working alongside fellow Rotarians to enhance their safety, health, education, and well-being worldwide. Sandy emphasizes that empowering girls and women is more than achieving equity; it is about upholding basic human rights. She encourages Rotarians to share success stories and collaborate to make a positive impact, creating new pathways for membership growth and lasting change. Together, they aim to serve with Aloha and create hope in the world.
A Story of Dedication, Inclusion, and Transformative Impact
As a passionate member of the Rotary Club of Kane'ohe for over 31 years, I am honored to share my remarkable journey through Rotary, dedicated to empowering girls and women worldwide. My Rotary adventure began when I joined the club, ecstatic to serve after the Council on Legislation voted to admit women into Rotary clubs in 1989. Since then, I have held various significant roles, including serving as District Governor of D5000 (Hawai'i) in 2021-22. These experiences have allowed me to contribute actively to my club and district, while also participating in international service projects that have deeply impacted my life.
One of the most transformative moments occurred during my involvement in an international service project in Bali, where I joined fellow Rotarians to make a difference in the lives of others. This experience reinforced my commitment to creating positive change and inspired me to continue serving my community and beyond.
Now, as the Zone 26 Ambassador for Empowering Girls, I am excited to work alongside fellow Rotarians to fulfill Rotary International's legacy of empowering girls. This initiative aims to enhance girls' safety, health, education, and well-being. It goes beyond just achieving gender equity; it is about ensuring that girls have access to their fundamental human rights.
Rotary projects across the globe have demonstrated our collective commitment to empowering girls and women. From interest-free microcredit loans for women in Nigeria to projects providing menstrual hygiene products to girls in India, our initiatives are making a meaningful difference. Rotary members have been actively engaged in creating and implementing activities that enhance the quality of life for girls, improving their chances of enjoying safe, healthy, and productive lives.
Today, it is essential to share the stories of our impactful work. By amplifying these narratives, we can connect with like-minded individuals and organizations working towards similar goals. By learning from one another's successes and challenges, we can create a broader impact and inspire a larger audience.
Empowering girls and women not only aligns with Rotary's core values but also creates new pathways for membership growth and fosters greater collaboration with partners. By working together, we can make a lasting difference in the lives of girls, empowering them to step into their full potential and creating a more equitable future.
I am proud to be part of a global community that shares the same dedication to service, and I am excited to continue serving with Aloha and creating hope in the world.