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Every Zontian has something in common: we all made a decision in one way or another to join Zonta. We have our story of what motivated us to seek out a global community, a local friendship or an outlet to fuel our passion to do good for women and girls in our local communities and around the world. I still remember the conversation I had with my own mother, looking to find something to do to make a difference in the world. She of course had the answer as a Zontian herself, and, as we can see, I took her advice!
I am wondering:
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How many of you, like me, can point to Zonta as a turning point in life?
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What was it that drew you here to share in this mission?
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What has been your reason to stay?
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How many friends do you have seeking out answers to the issues we are facing in the world, looking to be part of the change?
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Who is orbiting in our social circles, ready to act with the rest of us?
The impact of our involvement is profound, highlighting the vital role Zonta members play in driving the success and sustainability of our mission. Our collective dedication advances Zonta's goals and inspires others to join the cause.
Current global events threaten to reverse nearly a century of advancements – our own members’ work - in women's rights. The rise of restrictive policies and social and political unrest present serious challenges to women's autonomy and empowerment.
In these challenging times, Zonta International remains steadfast in its mission . Please visit our website to read recent statements on:
Now more than ever, it is essential to amplify our mission and core values by engaging a broader array of voices. I strongly encourage each of you to participate in the Add Your Voice membership campaign . Reaffirm your commitment to our mission and values while contributing to a cause that can spark real change. When you invite someone to join Zonta, you open the door to possibilities – for them, for us and for all women and girls. Thank you for building a better world.
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Click above to watch how Z club members in Bangladesh, District 25, are committed to expanding their impact and fostering meaningful change in their community.
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Salla Tuominen
President 2024-2026
Zonta International and Zonta Foundation for Women
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10 days left to Add Your Voice through the 2025 Membership Campaign!
New members added now through 31 May count toward supporting member or club recognition.
Don’t miss this: Did you know that this year’s campaign includes an opportunity to win a grant for your club’s recruitment event? The deadline to submit is 31 May.
Please see the Add Your Voice webpage for more details.
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Zontians in Action
Zontians are taking action to build a better world for women and girls! Read the stories below highlighting how Zonta clubs and student clubs are making an impact in their communities and beyond.
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Zonta Club of Ibadan II expands impact
The Zonta Club of Ibadan II, Nigeria, conducted a medical outreach at Akufo Village on 26 April, in collaboration with the Association for Reproductive and Family Health (ARFH). Community members received free health services including malaria testing, retroviral screening, blood sugar checks, hepatitis B screening and blood pressure monitoring.
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Amplifying Earth Day and climate justice
In celebration of Earth Day, members of the Zonta Club of Montevideo, Uruguay, donated a native tree to the city's Botanical Garden as part of their ongoing commitment to climate action and environmental stewardship.
The club was warmly welcomed by the Botanical Garden’s director during the event. In a public ceremony, a statement was read highlighting Zonta International’s advocacy for climate justice, emphasizing the need for public policies that specifically consider and protect women and girls from the impacts of climate disasters.
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Click the buttons below to be inspired by Zontians taking action within their own communities. Then, tell us how you are changing the world by sharing your story!
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Save your seat for the Share Your Story Festival
Get ready to be inspired! Zonta International is thrilled to invite you to its first annual virtual Share Your Story Festival on 26 August! Join us as clubs from all around the world gather to share their stories of impact and transformation. You will hear from six dynamic clubs that have made waves in their communities through innovative service and advocacy efforts. Click below to register and see how our global community is creating real change.
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Empowering the next generation of pioneers: Zonta's legacy is your legacy
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The Zonta 1919 Legacy Circle stands as a powerful testament to the enduring global commitment of Zontians and friends dedicated to building a better world for women and girls. This special society recognizes individuals who make a commitment to the future of women and girls by including Zonta in their estate plans. These donors become partners in Zonta’s long-term mission and ensure their commitment to empower women and girls continues far beyond their years.
Consider your own legacy and the difference you can make in the lives of women and girls by reading the latest issue of Inspiring Impact .
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Zonta Essentials: The Council of Europe's Gender Equality Strategy 2024-2029: Key actions to achieve de facto gender equality in Europe
Continue to learn more about Zonta’s participatory status at the Council of Europe (CoE), Europe's leading human rights organization, brought to you by Zonta’s Council of Europe Committee.
Click here to read Part 5. The CoE Gender Equality Strategy 2024-2029: Key actions to achieve de facto gender equality in Europe.
Click here to read the basics and parts 3 and 4 of the series. Watch the latest CoE webinar on “Being a women’s rights activist - what you should know about the Council of Europe, the continent's leading human rights organization."
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Advocacy Webseries: Spotlight on Zonta Says NO
Join the International Advocacy Committee and the Zonta Says NO to Violence Against Women working group as they highlight past advocacy and actions taken during the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence. Get inspired as you begin planning your club's 2025 16 Days of Activism efforts!
Tuesday, 27 May
12:00 PM CST
Find your time: Meeting Planner
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Save the Date for CSW70: 9-20 March 2026
Please begin to plan your participation for the 70th Commission on the Status of Women (CSW). CSW is the leading global intergovernmental body dedicated to promoting gender equality. As an NGO with general consultative status at the United Nations, Zonta International is invited to participate in this annual event, and we want you to be in New York with us 9-20 March 2026.
CSW is a great way to take part in Zonta advocacy and networking. It is an opportunity to widen perspectives and make Zonta heard and seen. Please join our delegation as an activist and change maker. Follow us for more information to come.
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Meet this month's Remarkable Woman: Felicity McRobb
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Felicity McRobb is the founder of McRobb Consulting, a transformative leadership development and executive coaching initiative based in Hong Kong. Hailing from Wales, U.K., she has made her mark in Japan, Saudi Arabia and the United States.
Felicity met with Lynne Foley OAM, host of the Remarkable Women, Powerful Stories podcast, to share her journey of believing that she could achieve anything through hard work. Having moved across the globe, she has immersed herself in diverse cultures where she has experienced being unheard and unseen. These challenges and her upbringing have inspired Felicity to advocate for the stories of those who have been overlooked, ensuring their voices are finally heard.
Listen to Felicity's story on the go | Spotify | YouTube
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Congratulations to our club anniversaries this month!
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Zonta Club of Watkins Glen-Montour Falls
USA, District 2
100th anniversary
Zonta Club of Cincinnati
USA, District 5
90th anniversary
Zonta Club of Stockholm I
Sweden, District 21
90th anniversary
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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 May, visit Zonta News .
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Celebrating Zonta International Headquarters!
This month, we celebrate the work anniversary of one staff member at Zonta International Headquarters!
Congratulations to Amy Park
Communications Associate
1 year
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Important Dates and Events
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Zonta International is a global organization based in 64 countries building a better world for women and girls. Zonta International envisions a world in which women's rights are recognized as human rights and every woman is able to achieve her full potential. In such a world, women have access to all resources and are represented in decision-making positions on an equal basis with men. In such a world, no woman lives in fear of violence.
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