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March 2025 Leadership Update

 
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Dear,

For more than a century, Zonta has proudly championed the belief that women's rights are human rights. We have joined forces with visionary advocates for gender equity to turn this dream into reality. Yet, despite our strides, we are still years away from a truly gender-equal society and sadly, over the last several years, we have witnessed a systematic disturbing rollback of women's rights globally. Please read our statement on how Zonta remains steadfast in mission to build a better world for women and girls and share it with your clubs and districts. 

CSW68 in New York City.

For Zontians and our supporters who are working to build a better world for women and girls, we must recognize the global threats to women. This is why I invite you to participate in the 69th session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW69) taking place already next week.

 

Each year, thousands of gender advocates gather at the United Nations in New York for the CSW, the largest global event focused on women's rights. It stands as the premier intergovernmental body dedicated exclusively to promoting gender equality and empowering women. By joining us at CSW, you can become a vital force in advancing women's rights by validating the realities of women's lives around the world and shaping global standards on gender equality and women's empowerment alongside Zontians.

 

If you have not planned to participate in person, please sign in virtually. It is a great opportunity to discuss, share, learn, widen your perspectives and network. And please look for Zonta’s communications next week – we will try to keep you updated on the event and hot topics!

 

As you read further, learn more about what awaits you at CSW69 and within the future we envision for women and girls. Together, by combining our resources and voices, we can build a brighter tomorrow. Thank you for your unwavering support and commitment to Zonta's mission and goals.

Warm regards,

Salla Tuominen

President

Items to cover in your next club meeting or newsletter

Looking ahead, these are a few items you may wish to discuss with

your club:

  • UNICEF addresses gender-based violence through Laaha Since its launch in 2021, Laaha has helped thousands of women and girls feel less ashamed and isolated and highlights the importance of collaboration, especially with women and girls. Click here to read the full article.
  • New education awards are now available Expand opportunities for women in your community with the new Zonta Women in Stem Award and Zonta Women in Business Leadership Award. Click here for more information.

Ring in International Women's Day and Strike the Pose to #AccelerateAction!

8 March marks International Women’s Day—a time to champion Zonta’s mission for gender equality, advocate for women in leadership and highlight our work with the United Nations and the Council of Europe.

 

President Salla Tuominen will take center stage at NASDAQ Helsinki, ringing the opening bell in honor of gender equality. Join the celebration! Follow us on social media and share your post to amplify the message.

 

This year’s International Women’s Day Global Theme is #AccelerateAction. To take part:

  1. Strike The Pose and snap a picture!
  2. Post it on social media and tag us at @ZontaIntl or send it to us at [email protected].
  3. Be sure to include how you #AdvanceYourAdvocacy through Zonta International in your message! Share what advocacy actions you have taken either personally or with your club to make a difference within your community.
  4. Include the hashtags#AccelerateAction #ZontiansInAction #AdvanceYourAdvocacy #IWD 
  5. Share Your Story on the website – Share your advocacy action with us! Stories about club or individual actions are welcome.

Countdown to CSW69/Beijing+30: Less than one week away!

Mark your calendars: 10–21 March

 

Are you interested in learning more? Let us know if you are coming to CSW this March and be included in all our communications about the events.

Zonta Foundation for Women's 40th Anniversary Giving campaign

This year’s Rose Day fundraising campaign will be replaced by a special campaign celebrating the Foundation’s 40th anniversary. The campaign will run 17 March through 18 AprilClick here for more information.

Elevate Equality on Earth Day

This Earth Day, on 22 April, we are taking strides to address gender equity within climate justice. 

 

This year’s plans include:

  • Learning how you can partner with local sustainable groups and businesses.
  • Taking action to ensure your community addresses the needs of women and girls within their disaster-ready and emergency response plans.
  • Leading the conversation on how Earth Day is about gender equality.
  • Continuing to support the Zonta Says NOW to Gender-Equal Climate Action campaign.

An inside look at the Council of Europe

Through Zonta's CoE Committee, Zonta holds participatory status at the CoE, Europe's leading human rights organization. The committee is providing regular updates to enhance members' understanding of Zonta's role with CoE.

Click here to read Part 4: Gender Equality – a cross-cutting topic and an important policy goal of the CoE

 

Council of Europe Webinar: Being a women’s rights advocate - What you should know about the CoE, the continent’s leading human rights organization

Join us on 26 March at 12 PM CDT to learn more about the Council of Europe, its values, structure and work program, and its significant role in advancing gender equality and women’s rights. Learn why gender equality is a core human right and a fundamental element of democracyClick here to register.

Click the button above to donate.

News and Events

 

Congratulations to our clubs celebrating anniversaries this month:

 

Zonta Club of Jacksonville, USA, District 11

85th anniversary

Zonta Club of Gallivare, Sweden, District 21

Zonta Club of Bombay I, India, District 25

65th anniversary

 

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, visit Zonta News.

Shoutout to the Zonta Clubs of Isabela and Makati Legaspi, Philippines, who partnered with medical professionals and community organizations to host the Zonta Kalusugan Grand Medical Mission, providing free healthcare services to more than 1,000 patients.

 

Thank you to all the clubs who have shared their stories! To see which other clubs made a world of difference last month, visit our Instagram page.

Save the Date for the Share Your Story Festival Be sure to send in your local service and advocacy actions for your club to potentially be highlighted in the Share Your Story Festival taking place on 26 August.

UNICEF invites you to an inspiring virtual experience on the challenges disproportionately affecting women and girls around the world. It will take place on 6 March at 10 AM Chicago Time. Live interpretation will be provided in French, German and Spanish. Click here here to register.

Meet February's Remarkable Woman!

Adrijana Hanušić Bećirović is a human rights lawyer and activist with 15 years of experience in legal advocacy, policy reform and strategic litigation. She pioneered compensation for survivors of conflict-related sexual violence in Bosnia and Herzegovina and has advised the UN, EU and OSCE on transitional justice and human rights. Adrijana now serves as a Transitional Justice and CRSV Documentation expert at Vital Voices, supporting efforts in Ukraine.

 

Listen to Adrijana's episode on the go

Youtube |Spotify | Bio

Important Dates

Bookmark our events page to know when important dates and events are coming up.

This Leadership Update has been distributed to club presidents and treasurers with a copy to

the district board members, foundation ambassadors, international committees,

Past International Presidents and the Zonta International Board.