Zonta International
Mission
Zonta International is a leading global organization of individuals working together to build a better world for women and girls.
Vision
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.
Zonta’s History – The First Thirty Years
Zonta Causes
Gender Equality
Gender equality is a basic human right and its achievement has immense socioeconomic implications. Yet, gender inequalities are deeply rooted in every society.
Sustainable Development Goal No. 5 is to achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls. While progress has been made, no country in the world has achieved gender equality.
Ending Gender-based Violence
Gender-based violence, or violence against women and girls, is a severe violation of human rights. Violence not only negatively affects women; it also affects their families, communities and countries. It knows no national or cultural barriers; it takes place at home, in the workplace and in open spaces, and affects millions of women and girls in peacetime and in conflict. Gender-based violence includes psychological, physical and sexual violence, and harmful practices such as intimate partner violence, sexual violence and harassment, child marriage, female genital mutilation and human trafficking, according to UN Women.
Ending Child Marriage
Child marriage is any formal or informal union where one or both of the parties are under 18 years old, according to Girls Not Brides. Early and forced marriage happens across countries, cultures and religions. Each year, 12 million girls are married before they turn 18.
It is estimated that 650 million women alive today were married as girls. Child brides are often pulled out of school and are at a greater risk of violence, being trapped in poverty and serious health complications or even death due to early pregnancy.
Expanding Access to Education
Education is a human right. It has the power to save and improve the lives of women and girls, which leads to healthier families and stronger communities.
According to UNICEF, receiving an education makes girls less likely to marry young and more likely to lead healthy, productive lives. Educated girls earn higher incomes, participate in decisions that affect them, and build better futures for themselves and their families.
GET INVOLVED & EMPOWER WOMEN & GIRLS
Zonta offers several unique membership opportunities. Join our community of members and partners worldwide and improve the lives of women and girls in your local community and around the world. Club, Individual, Young Professional Membership, & Student (Z & Golden Z) Clubs
Partners & Testimonials
Zonta International and UN Women
Zonta International has invested in partnerships with UN Women (previously UNIFEM) for more than 30 years, beginning in 1986 with projects in Argentina, Botswana, the Comoros Islands, Thailand and Zimbabwe. Learn More…
Zonta International and UNFPA
By working with agencies like UNFPA, the United Nations Population Fund, Zonta International can achieve its mission and goals and have a greater impact throughout the world. Learn More…
Zonta International and UNICEF USA
Zonta International’s partnership with UNICEF USA began nearly 50 years ago with six mobile medical units in Ghana. It was one of Zonta’s earliest international service projects and the first time Zonta and UNICEF USA came together to help women and children in need. Learn More…