Zonta Club of Sofia says NOW during Zonta's 104th birthday

On 9 November, the Zonta Club of Sofia celebrated Zonta International's 104th birthday with more than 150 participants at the Bells Monument.

District 30's UN and Advocacy Committee member Bistra Ilieva officially opened the event and introduced participants to Zonta's mission, vision and programs. Club President Vanya Petrova also made a special address with a flashback to Zonta's 103rd birthday last year, when the club replanted 103 yellow roses, and also in 2020, when Zonta's Bell was revealed at the Monument.

Professor Nina Nikolova, the department head of climatology, hydrology and geomorphology at Sofia University's Faculty of Geology and Geography, gave a speech on climate change.

Bulgarian actress Yoana Bukovska was a special guest at the event.

The club planted 104 boxwood shrubs, two beeches, and two plane trees during the event, enriching the Monument's nature.

The celebration was accompanied by the performances of the Children's Choir at the Italian Lyceum and the students of the National School of Dance Art. The talented National School of Polygraphy and Photography students also participated in the event and captured wonderful shots.

Participants gathered around the special Zonta Says NOW message, making it even more impressive and impactful. All the bells in the Monument rang loudly, and the tone was set by Zonta's Bell, which rang first under the motto: Zonta Says NOW to gender-based climate action.

The celebration included a traditional Bulgarian dance with all participants.

Three special Zonta branded benches were announced – all contained QR codes leading to more information about Zonta Club Sofia, the club's cyberviolence campaign and the Zonta Says NOW to Gender-Equal Climate Action campaign.

Click here to watch the club's event.