District 14 Conference: Sustainability, spirit & speaking up for human rights

Approximately 90 Zontians from seven countries gathered for the Zonta District 14 Conference to exchange ideas and strengthen advocacy for gender equality, women’s rights, education and climate action. The conference opened with a flag ceremony honoring each represented country, Zonta International and International Director and Liaison Phillippa Jakobs-Lory.

County Administrator Dr. Legler and Bundestag Vice President Ms. Lindholz expressed their support for Zonta’s advocacy initiatives, emphasizing the organization’s impact in advancing equality and preventing violence against women and girls.

Education took center stage as the Zonta Amelia Earhart Fellowship was presented to Greta Capello and the Jane M. Klausman Women in Business Award to Maria Lipovenko. Other honorees included Ria Vijayan (AE 2024) and Dr. Caroline Lourenço Alves (STEM 2025, Aschaffenburg). Three Golden Z Clubs, Würzburg Amelia, Olympe, and Aschaffenburg, actively participated by organizing a youth-led workshop that showcased their leadership and innovation.

Additional sessions focused on Zonta Says NO to Violence Against Women, Zonta Says NOW for climate justice, and “Speaking Up for Zonta,” encouraging members to amplify advocacy efforts in their communities. A public Zonta Says NO campaign featuring 90 participants with orange umbrellas at Aschaffenburg’s Schlossplatz drew attention to the global fight to end gender-based violence.

During the gala dinner, Zonta Club Wien I celebrated its 95th anniversary and ZC Wien-Parkring its 45th. The evening’s highlight was a charity auction of two necklaces crafted by a master goldsmith, with proceeds benefiting the Zonta Foundation for Women.

A panel discussion explored the effects of climate change on women and actionable steps for climate justice, while District Chairs shared best practices on member engagement, mentoring and awardee recruitment. The conference concluded with the announcement of a new annual District 14 Prize of €2,000 each for Women in STEM and Women in Business.