Zonta International

Zonta International is a global service organization dedicated to empowering women worldwide through service and advocacy. Founded in 1919 by a group of businesswomen led by Marian de Forest in Buffalo, New York, it operates with a mission to build a better world for women and girls. The name "Zonta" comes from the Lakota word zónta, meaning "honest" or "trustworthy."

History

Zonta International was modeled after similar service clubs, with a focus on admitting one woman from each business classification to the local club. By 1923, clubs had been established in several U.S. cities. In 1930, the Confederation of Zonta Clubs was formed, and by 1930, it expanded internationally with the founding of the Vienna club, subsequently changing its name to Zonta International.

Mission and Activities

Mission: Zonta International aims to build a better world for women and girls. It supports Sustainable Development Goal 5, which focuses on achieving gender equality. The organization achieves this through various international projects, educational awards, and service initiatives.

Programs and Partnerships: Zonta is dedicated to achieving gender equality in education, providing scholarships, fellowships, and awards for women and girls. It also supports initiatives to improve women's health, provide better economic opportunities, and prevent gender-based violence. A notable partnership is with UNICEF USA, working to advance the status of women and children worldwide through education, health, and protection services. Zonta International also supports the UNFPA-UNICEF Global Program to End Child Marriage in several countries.

Global Presence and Membership

Zonta International has over 29,000 members across 1,133 clubs in 62 countries. It has consultative status with the United Nations, allowing it to participate in events like the Commission on the Status of Women. As a global NGO, Zonta collaborates with various UN agencies and holds events highlighting topics such as gender equity and social protections.

Financial Impact

Over the past century, Zonta has contributed more than $45.9 million to its international service projects. Between 2020 and 2022, it allocated $5,280,000 for programs addressing gender discrimination. Zonta International has also donated over $13 million to UNICEF to support education, healthcare, economic opportunities, and safe living conditions for women and girls.

Notable Members

Historical notable members include Amelia Earhart and Helvi Sipilä. Earhart, the famous aviator, joined the Boston chapter in 1926 before moving to the New York City chapter. Sipilä, a Finnish member, served as Zonta's International President and later as Assistant Secretary-General of the United Nations.

Tax Status

In the United States, Zonta International operates as a 501(c)(4) non-profit organization, while the Zonta Foundation for Women is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, providing tax relief for eligible donations within the U.S. Similar structures exist in other countries, depending on local laws and regulations.

Conclusion

Zonta International plays a significant role in promoting gender equality and improving the lives of women and girls globally through its extensive network of clubs and partnerships. Its commitment to sustainable development and collaboration with major international organizations further enhances its impact on a global scale.