Zonta Club of Parma participates in forum on gender equality and the UN 2030 Agenda

The Zonta Club of Parma, Italy, was invited to take part in a public forum held in the City Council Hall of Parma to discuss the evolving dimensions of gender equality within the framework of the United Nations 2030 Agenda. The event aimed to raise awareness about global solidarity and promote international cooperation among public institutions and NGOs to support sustainable development and protect the rights of women and girls.

The forum began with institutional greetings from Parma Mayor Michele Guerra and Councilor for Equal Opportunities Caterina Bonetti. Additional speakers included Councilor for International Cooperation Daria Jacopozzi, Zonta International President-elect Fernanda Gallo Freschi, District 18 Governor Opeibea Omaboe and Bineta Gueye, president of the Senegalese NGO FEEDA.

Fernanda highlighted critical global challenges, noting, “One in five girls is married before the age of 18. Women continue to shoulder the burden of unpaid labor, dedicating three times more hours than men to domestic responsibilities.” She underscored the Zonta Foundation for Women’s ongoing support for educational equity and leadership development through its scholarship programs.

Opeibea presented Zonta’s initiatives in Africa, while Bineta shared concrete examples of women’s empowerment through education, including the Municipality of Parma’s CO.DI.RE project—short for “Awareness, Dialogue, Responsibility”—which promotes a new model of global citizenship education. The Zonta Club of Parma is a strong supporter of the initiative, aligning with the goals of the UN 2030 Agenda.

The event served as a space for connection and reflection, emphasizing friendship, culture, empowerment and solidarity, while fostering new partnerships at both the national and international levels to advance a more peaceful and sustainable world.