Sunday Times 2
Zonta club participates in Global Activities for International Women’s Day and Rose Day
View(s):Globally, members of Zonta International, an organisation dedicated to advancing the status of women and girls, are celebrating International Women’s Day and Zonta Rose Day. In the week leading up to March 8, more than 30,000 Zontians from 66 countries devoted their efforts to raising awareness of the opportunities and challenges for women around the world through events, forums and service activities.
“Working to protect and advance the rights of women and girls around the world is not an option; it’s a necessity,” said Zonta International President Lynn McKenzie. “Zontians and Zonta Clubs advocate, serve and raise considerable funds to deliver vital programmes directed to improving the lives of women worldwide. We must work tirelessly and with other likeminded organisations and individuals, to ensure a girl child born this year’s future is one where she is loved, healthy, safe, fed, happy and can live her dream”
This past year, Zontians have concentrated on the significant and debilitating impact violence against women has on women, their families and community. Zonta’s global campaign, Zonta Says NO to violence against women, mobilised the majority of its members who stood up and collectively condemned all forms of violence against women from Ibadan in Nigeria to Nepal, Korea, Bangladesh, Japan, Finland, Germany, Uruguay, North America, Korea, Japan and New Zealand.
International Women’s Day is recognised across the globe to celebrate the economic, political and social achievements of women. This year’s International Women’s Day theme was “Inspiring Change.” Zonta projects meet the organisation’s objectives of inspiring change and improving the status of women and upholding justice and human rights. Through its efforts, Zonta is highly recognised by United Nation agencies that focus on like-minded initiatives. As a follow up to International Women’s Day, a delegation of Zontians will participate in the 58th Session of the Commission on the Status of Women taking place at the United Nations Headquarters in New York from March 10-21, 2014.