A Short History of Zonta Says NOW
Zonta Says NOW started in 2020 in District 23 (that covers a large proportion of Australia) and gathered momentum internationally following the release of the Zonta International Statement on Climate Change in 2021.
Zontians in Australia have experienced extreme climate-driven events for a long time, with severe heat, storms, floods, drought, and huge bushfires affecting much of the continent.
When Zontians in District 23 realized the links between climate change and gender inequality, they developed three tools:
- A website containing extensive tools and resources to inform and motivate members and the public about how climate change was impacting gender equality and actions that could make a difference;
- A Think Tank where Zontians from around the district meet online to raise awareness, share information, inspire action, and learn from guest speakers; and
- A framework for action to guide members through five steps: gather the facts, lead by example, use our voice by talking with family and friends, advocate in our clubs, and collaborate with like-minded organizations.
The Think Tank’s work has contributed to a nationwide shift in attitudes that resulted in overturning a government with poor records on reducing greenhouse gas emissions and gender equality - to a newly elected government that prioritizes climate action and women’s rights.
THE JOURNEY TO THE GLOBAL ROLLOUT OF ZONTA SAYS NOW
The District 23 Think Tank brought together interested Zontians from clubs across many areas for a common purpose and the Zonta International Seminar on Climate Action introduced Zonta Says NOW to the wider Zonta world.
Following the seminar, Zontians from different countries visited the District 23 Think Tank meetings to learn more, including members of the USA Caucus. The USA Caucus adopted Zonta Says NOW in 2022 and hosts online Think Tank events.
Meanwhile, District 25 (India, Bangladesh, Nepal and Sri Lanka) held a competition to raise awareness of the links between climate change and its impact on women and girls. Zonta International publicized the competition on its website. After this, District 25 joined District 23 and the USA Caucus to present Zonta Says NOW at CSW 66 and the Zonta International Convention in Hamburg.
Following CSW 66, Zontians from District 27 and District 21 joined Zontians from District 23, District 25, and the USA Caucus to form an International Zonta Says NOW Working Group.
In October 2022, the Working Group set up an Intercontinental Zonta Says NOW Think Tank with members from all continents.
ZONTA SAYS NOW IN THE 2022-2024 BIENNIUM
In the 2022-2024 Biennium, the Zonta Says NOW Working Group focused on establishing Zonta Says NOW among Zontians and implementing the two recommendations in the Statement on Climate Change around raising awareness of gender-equal climate justice and disaster preparedness.
Initially, Intercontinental Think Tank members shared their first-hand experiences of how storms, floods, heat, drought, and fires, impacted their countries. Members heard how actions in the global north impacted the global south and what this meant to the lives of women and girls. Members were surveyed to get their feedback on Zonta Says NOW. Teams developed fact sheets, action guides and leaflets based on the framework for action. A series of disaster-ready guides and a guide on sustainable air travel were also prepared. The Social Media team provided short video clips and memes to advertise resources, meetings and issues through Think Tank members.
At the 2024 NGO CSW 68, the Working Group presented on How Gender-Equal Climate Action Works to End Poverty which informed planning for the 2024-2026 Biennium.
The Virtual Art Gallery team created a website to host artwork from Zontians to allow them to express their feelings about climate justice. The Virtual Art Gallery was launched on Earth Day (22 April) and will become an annual event.
For the International Convention in Brisbane, the Working Group prepared a virtual workshop on Uniting for climate justice and equity and a face-to-face workshop on Are you and your community disaster ready? In addition, Zonta Says NOW was featured in a panel discussion.
All of these activities helped members understand how climate change magnifies gender inequality and how we can close gender gaps by taking gender-equal climate action.
ZONTA SAYS NOW IN THE 2024-2026 BIENNIUM
In the 2024-2026 biennium, the focus will be on developing resources to advocate for women’s full and equal participation in the economy and support their inclusion at the national and local tables of decision-makers on environmental sustainability. Intercontinental Think Tank meetings are now held in odd-numbered months (January, March, May, July, September, and November), alternating across three time zones. Recordings of meetings can be found here.
All members are encouraged to join the Intercontinental Think Tank meetings advertised on the Events page and to bring guests.