Zonta’s campaign against gender-based violence
View(s):On November 8, 1919, more than nine decades ago, delegates from the first Zonta clubs met in Buffalo, New York, USA, to found the Confederation of Zonta Clubs. Today, Zonta has grown into a worldwide service organization working to empower women worldwide with more than 30,000 members in nearly 1,200 clubs covering 67 countries around the world.
Zonta International has seen many changes in its history. In the last 20 years especially, thanks to the Beijing Platform for Action and Millennium Development Goals, women’s lives have improved significantly; however, there is still much work to be done.
Dr. Marlene Abeyewardene, Past District Governor, Zonta International District 25 in a press release to mark the 16 days of activism against gender-beased violence starting today, November 16, stated: “We Zontians know that gender equality, women’s empowerment and sustainable development are simply not possible if violence against women and girls does not end. To that end, all Zonta clubs and Zontians are encouraged to participate in the Zonta Says NO to Violence against Women campaign. Our efforts are needed now more than ever; and, together, we can make a difference.
“As Zontians, we can proudly celebrate that in the last 95 years, we have changed the lives of countless women and girls in more than 34 countries, and distributed more than US$19 million through our international service projects, fellowships and awards. These service projects have been carried out with the financial support, of Zonta clubs and Zontians worldwide. If not for this Zonta International’s service and education programmes would not be possible.
Through the service and advocacy projects thus carried out Zonta International has been able to make a “lasting impact on women’s lives enabling them to achieve their fullest potential around the world contributing to their families communities and countries locally and globally.”
Referring to Sri Lanka’s contribution, she said, “This biennium too, Zonta Sri Lanka strives to increase their advocacy and service efforts to empower women locally in our country and globally. Zontians work together in the countries of district 25 that is India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Nepal with their communities to continue to strengthen women’s voices, expand their leadership capability, and presence in decision-making positions, as well as to ensure women’s universal access to education and economic empowerment, and to work towards ending violence against women and girls.
“Zontians throughout the world will continue their service of empowering women until Zonta’s mission of providing opportunities for every woman to achieve her optimal goal is reached.”