“Violence against women is perhaps the most shameful human rights violation.  And it is perhaps the most pervasive.  It knows no boundaries or geography, culture, or wealth.  As long as it continues, we cannot claim to be making real progress towards equality, development, and peace.”

                                                            Kofi Annan, UN Secretary General, 1999.

Zonta International is a worldwide service organization of women executives in business and the professions working together to advance the status of women. There are more than 33,000 members in 1,252 clubs in 67 countries.

Founded in 1919 in Buffalo, New York, USA, Zonta takes its name from the Lakota Sioux Indian word meaning "honest and trustworthy." Zontians volunteer their time, talents and energy to local and international service projects that are designed to advance the status of women.

Zonta in Australia first started in 1929 with the establishment of a club in Sydney, one of the first to come into existence outside the United States and Canada.  And our Club, Zonta Club of Swan Hills, celebrated its 10^th Anniversary on 26^th January this year.

Though only a small club our members work tirelessly throughout the year raising funds to support women and families in need.  Approximately 1/3 of monies raised is sent overseas to Zonta Headquarters to help in international projects.

During this Biennium our International Projects include:
■  3 Project supported by the  International Service Project Fund,  with grants totaling US$1,500,000 (Each US$500,000)
(1) Prevention of Mother to Child Transmission of HIV and Gender-Based Violence in Rwanda.
(2) Safe Cities for Women Project in Guatemala City, Guatemala and San Salvador, El Salvador.
(3) Elimination of Obstetric Fistula and the Reduction of Maternal and Newborn Mortality and Morbidity in Liberia.
■  2 ZISVAW grants totaling US$630,000.
(1) US$430,000 towards A Comprehensive Strategy to End Burns Violence Against Women in Cambodia, Nepal and Uganda.
(2) $200,000 to Security and Empowerment for Women and their Families:  Ensuring a Gender-Responsive Humanitarian and Early Recovery Response in Haiti.

Local Projects include:
   ■  Annual Studies Assistance Grant – This award encourages young women to undertake      further studies to enhance their employment and life opportunities.  We financially assist a post compulsory female student in pursuing her studies.
   ■  Young Women in Public Affairs Award – This award encourages young women students to enter careers in public affairs, public policy or community organisations.
   ■  Woman of Achievement Award – This recognises women in our community who have contributed above and beyond her call of duty

I invite all business women to take the first step towards making a difference to the lives of other girls and women in need of our help, both locally and internationally.  Feel free to navigate the pages of our website or follow the link to Zonta International and discover what a truly wonderful organisation this is.  We look forward to having you attend one of our dinner meetings with a view to joining us on our journey.

Please call Ruth on 9221 8309 for more information.

Ruth Thomas
President
2010 - 2012