Greetings Friend,
I recently returned home from the 68th session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW68) in New York City, where I had the privilege of meeting with fellow Zonta members, as well as connecting with gender equity advocates from across the globe. As Zontians, we showed visibility at CSW68 with our Zonta bags, which had a yellow rose on them.
The discussions left all of us with a renewed sense of commitment to build a better world for women and girls. Although true gender parity is still a long way ahead, we all have to demand much more for early changes. Zontians who attended the event were able to gain invaluable knowledge. Read below to see some of their reflections on what they learned to further their advocacy efforts in their communities.
I am also inspired by the various actions we have received from Zonta clubs and districts, sharing how they celebrated and honored women in their communities on International Women's Day and Rose Day. As you continue reading, I encourage you to consider submitting a Share Your Story action, highlighting the ways your own club helped to create a better world for women and girls on 8 March.
Thank you for your continued support and dedication so far in the 2022-2024 Biennium. I look forward to celebrating all of our advancements in advocacy in Brisbane, Australia, this June!
Warm regards,
Ute Scholz
President 2022-2024
Zonta International and the Zonta Foundation for Women
Takeaways from CSW68 you can use!
Below are some actions anyone can take to address gender-equity issues and support the advancement of women and girls, as learned from the sessions Zontians attended at CSW68:
- Include men in the conversation. As one speaker said, “50% of the world is women, but to make a change, we need 100% participation.” A positive masculinity is key.
- Climate change is a human issue and a gender issue. There is a strong direct connection between gender-based violence and climate change, and to ignore it would be to ignore a huge increase of gender-based violence against women worldwide. Take action now by using the resources at www.zonta.org/ZontaSaysNOW.
- To change globally, we must speak locally. While gender inequalities may seem far from where you live, they could be, in fact, at your doorstep. Speak up to local legislators in your home to move issues. An example is child marriage. Does your country or state have laws against this human rights violation? Fact: 39 American states do not have child marriage laws in place. And if there is a law in place, do they follow it?
- Artificial Intelligence (AI) is crossing the barriers of gender inequality. Speak up and report it when you see gender violence on social media and within technology. The world is consistently turning and growing, and as we grow, we need to make sure women’s voices are at the table when making these monumental decisions and technological advances. As one speaker said, “An orange cannot speak to what it means to be a lemon.”
- Gender inequality may be a current conversation, but gender parity is projected not to happen for another 130 years. As such, a large part of this movement is in the hands of younger generations, and they need to be included and heard. As one speaker said, “The movement needs to go 20 times faster than it is today.” To do this, invite and encourage members of all ages to attend Zonta or student club meetings or form one if there isn't one in your area.
Zontians' viewpoints at CSW68
Joining together in New York City for CSW68, Zontians from every corner of the globe united in the quest to advance gender equity. Through their experiences and newfound knowledge, learn how they returned home empowered to continue advocating for a more just and equal world.
“The importance of collaboration and partnership was reaffirmed for me this year at CSW68.”
Governor Lisa Burton, District 3, USA
“I first attended CSW eight years ago and attended every year since. It is so enriching to hear what is happening around the world, what progress has been made and how more and more people, especially young ones, strive to achieve gender equality. However, we also have to be aware of pushbacks in various countries. Let's hope there won't have to be many more CSWs!"
Florence Fischer-Herber, District 27, Luxembourg
“A remark by a young participant caught my attention today at the UNESCO session on gender transformative education: 'Nothing about me without me.' Let’s involve more of our youth at CSW and in general!"
International Vice President Fernanda Gallo-Freschi, District 28, Italy
"I attended a number of forums and was confronted by the statistics of millions of women globally without access to cash, the millions of girls between 15-19 who fall pregnant each year, the sheer enormity of child marriage statistics and the number of countries without legislation making this illegal including the majority of U.S. states. I am heartened by the work being done by NGOs like Zonta International to make a difference for women and girls. So much more needs to be done in education, financing and entrepreneurship to empower women and girls."
Lynne Foley, District 22, Australia
“Education is the most important service we can give to help eradicate all gender inequities and provide social protection.”
Joanne Gallos, District 3, USA
“It was a joy to be one of 14,000 global advocates for gender equality with Zonta at CSW68. Against the backdrop of the amazing UN Headquarters and majestic skyscrapers, we explored the interlinked issues of poverty, women's rights and education's importance. Clustering with Zonta leaders brings a warmth and happiness that uplifts my spirit.”
Theresa Harris, District 2, USA
“A woman needs to be at the table, where decisions are made concerning her. If there is no place, add a chair!"
Dunstanette Macauley, District18, Togo
“I am grateful for the opportunity to collaborate with people from all over the world during CSW68. We must keep women’s issues at the forefront to ensure our voices are heard, and our rights are protected. Together, we can work towards creating a more equitable and inclusive world for all women to build a better world for women and girls!”
Governor Liz Tesiero, District 2, USA
“This week, I learned how much girls worldwide have been showing up and leading - often with little resources but a lot of passion. I’ll take this home from CSW68 with a new dedication to centering female-identified youth voices in our advocacy and actions."
International Director Britt Vaughn, District 9, USA
Meet Aparna, a member of #GenerationZonta
This year, we invited Aparna Parthasarathy, a 2023 Young Women in Public Affairs Awardee, to be Zonta International's CSW68 Youth Observer. Aparna is passionate about remedying structural inequalities, closing educational gaps and representing Generation Z’s values to shape legislation with elected officials.
“I was part of a panel with some amazing women from Zonta International, UNICEF USA and Tzu Chi. It was incredibly inspiring and empowering to hear what these women have to say, and I am incredibly grateful to be able to be a voice for my generation of girls. I was able to speak about feminism in a digital age and influences of culture and background on women’s rights."
Aparna Parthasarathy
UNICEF Virtual Event. Investing in Women and Girls to Shape the Future
Thank you to everyone who joined the UNICEF Virtual Event: Investing in Women and Girls to Shape the Future. We all play a tangible role in closing the gender gap while empowering the next generation to become leaders. If you were not able to join the virtual event, click on the button below to watch the recording.
UNICEF Virtual Event
See our collective impact in the 2022-2023 Annual Report
With every generous gift given by a Zonta member to the Zonta Foundation for Women, we take a step closer to achieving our vision for a world where women's rights are recognized as human rights and every woman can reach her full potential.
Click on the button below to read the annual report and discover how combining our financial resources together allows us to truly build a better world for women and girls.
Read the Annual Report
Zontians in Action
Aparna is not the only member of #GenerationZonta changing the world! Read the stories below highlighting how Zonta clubs are supporting the next generation of advocates.
Zonta Club of Ipswich invests in women on International Women's Day
The Zonta Club of Ipswich Inc, Australia, invited more than 180 political and community leaders, school students, educators and residents to attend its 33rd Annual International Women's Day Breakfast.
The club asked attendees to consider how they invested in women and girls through education and employment, advancing their career ambitions, improving their visibility and amplifying their voices. They also showcased Zonta's work in providing scholarships and awards to young women, demonstrating that they not only "talk the talk" but also "walk the walk."
Zonta Club of Nara encourages women STEM researchers
Realizing that the gender gap in STEM fields remains large in Japan, the Zonta Club of Nara established a research grant and award system in 2019 to encourage women STEM researchers at the Nara Women's University to serve as role models for young girls.
The researchers who received grants each year are encouraged to give lectures and share their experiences with Zontians and the community. This program has helped many people understand the realities that women researchers have to overcome and recognizes the need to eliminate unconscious bias to achieve gender equality.
Share Your Story
Tell us how you are changing the world through advocacy by clicking on the button above to share your story with us!
Will we see you in Brisbane, Australia?
Have you registered for the 2024 Zonta International Convention yet? Register today and join us for an unforgettable experience from 27-30 June.
As we count down to convention, discover the beauty of Brisbane and create unforgettable memories with your fellow Zontians by exploring the various tours and activities available. Discover the thrill of adventure and immerse yourself in the wonders of this magnificent city by securing your lodging today.
Zonta's 2024 Convention is supported by Tourism Australia, the Queensland Government through Tourism and Events Queensland and Business Events Australia.
Bring your ideas to the Intercontinental Think Tank
All members are welcome to join the Zonta Says NOW to Gender-Equal Climate Action Intercontinental Think Tank. Come share your ideas and gather inspiration on how we can address Gender-Equal Climate Action NOW!
Sunday, 21 Apri
3:00 AM UTC
Find your time: Meeting Planner
Register
Meet our Remarkable Women!
- Meet February's guest: Teta V. Banks | Watch | Hear | Learn more
- Meet our next remarkable woman: Tahina Booth. Listen on demand 28 March | Bio
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Where in the world are Zonta clubs now forming?
We are excited to share that new Zonta clubs are now forming across the globe! If you know someone who would be a great addition to our Zonta International community, contact us at [email protected].
Africa:
Zonta Club of Abuja, Nigeria
Zonta Club of Cotonou Agojie, Benin
Zonta Club of Nairobi, Kenya
Zonta Club of Pinte Noire "Telema," Congo
Zonta Club of Seven Hills Yaounde, Cameroon
Zonta Club of Takoradi, Ghana
Zonta Club of Tunis, Tunisia
Asia:
Zonta Club of Apayao, Philippines
Zonta Club of Candon, Philippines
Zonta Club of Dumaguete, Philippines
Zonta Club of Kurayoshi, Japan
Zonta Club of Lasam and Environs, Philippines
Zonta Club of Phuket, Thailand
Zonta Club of Pingtung, Republic of China (Taiwan)
Zonta Club of Vigan, Philippines
Oceania:
Zonta e-Club of Aotearoa New Zealand
Zonta e-Club of NSW/ACT, Australia
Zonta Club of Lae, Papua New Guinea
Europe:
Zonta e-Club of Ilfov, Romania
Zonta e-Club of Ireland
Zonta Club of Bologna Due Torri, Italy
Zonta Club of Schleswig, Germany
Zonta Club of Trento, Italy
Zonta Club of Warsaw, Poland
North and South America:
Zonta e-Club of the Atlantic Coast, USA
Zonta e-Club of Atlantic Northeast, USA
Zonta e-Club of the Great Lakes, USA
Zonta e-Club of Managua, Nicaragua
Zonta Club of Boise, USA
Zonta Club of Des Moines, USA
Zonta Club of Greater Hartford, USA
Zonta Club of Grove City, USA
Zonta Club of Kanata-Stittsville, Canada
Zonta Club of Lima-Peru, Peru
Zonta Club of Lincoln, NE, USA
Zonta Club of Northeast Kingdom, USA
Zonta Club of Parker, USA
Zonta Club of San Antonio - Alamo City, USA
Zonta Club of Santa Fe, USA
Zonta Club of Springfield, MO, USA
Zonta Club of West Los Angeles, USA
Zonta Club of Wilmington, DE, USA
Celebrate this month's club anniversaries!
Congratulations to the Zonta Southfield Area, USA, District 15, and the Zonta Club of Wiesbaden, Germany, District 28, on celebrating their 95th and 70th anniversaries this month. We applaud your efforts in advocating for the women and girls in your community and beyond!
To see which other clubs are celebrating a milestone anniversary in March, please visit Zonta News.
Celebrating Zonta International Headquarters!
This month, we are celebrating the work anniversary of three staff members at Zonta International Headquarters. Congratulations to:
Cathy Ferguson
Director of Finance
8 years
Kati McCarthy
Foundation Development Coordinator
5 years
Eva Mikos
Development Manager
7 years