Zonta International is a global organisation of executives in business and the professions working together to advance the status of women worldwide through service and advocacy.
Founded in Buffalo, New York, in 1919, its early members were among the first generation of college-educated women, the first generation of North American women to vote, and a part of the growing, though still comparatively small, legion of women entering the workforce.
Today, Zonta International has more than 30,000 members in over 1200 Clubs in 63 countries, and has Category 1 Status with the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), Consultative Status with UNESCO, UNICEF, UNIFEM, ILO, Council of Europe and the International Centre for Social Development and Humanitarian Affairs.
Zonta International’s Aims and Objectives are:
* to improve the legal, political, economic, educational, health and professional status of women through service and advocacy;
* to work for the advancement of understanding, goodwill, and peace through a world fellowship of executives in business and the professions;
* to promote justice and universal respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms; and
* to be united internationally to foster high ethical standards, to implement service programs and to provide mutual support and fellowship for members who serve their communities, their nations and the world.
The Club awards a scholarship each year to a girl graduating from Balmoral State High School and to a girl graduating from Yeronga State High School. The scholarships are valued at $750 per year over three years and are designed to encourage continuing education.
The Club makes and distributes over 600 free Zonta Breast Cushions per year to women and men who have had breast surgery at the Mater Private Hospital.
The Club supports women and children in a refuge as a result of domestic violence
The Club support Zonta International service projects conducted through the Zonta international Foundation and UN Women