Introduction
Zonta International is a global membership organization dedicated to building a better world for women and girls through advocacy, education, service, leadership development and international partnerships.
Founded in 1919, Zonta has grown into a worldwide network of more than 25,600 individuals in approximately 1,070 Zonta clubs across 65 countries.
The organization focuses on major global challenges affecting women and girls, including:
- Gender inequality.
- Gender-based violence.
- Child marriage.
- Unequal access to education.
- Underrepresentation of women in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
- Barriers to women’s leadership.
- Economic inequality.
- Limited access to safe living conditions.
- Discrimination against women and girls.
Zonta International works through its global membership, local clubs, international advocacy, education programs and service projects funded through the Zonta Foundation for Women.
Its international programs frequently involve partnerships with United Nations agencies and other recognized organizations.
More information is available through the official Zonta International website.
History and Background
Zonta International was founded on 8 November 1919 in Buffalo, New York, United States.
The organization was originally established as the Confederation of Zonta Clubs.
Its founders were among a growing generation of professional and business women seeking greater opportunities for women in leadership, employment and public life.
The early development of Zonta was strongly influenced by Marian de Forest, a journalist and prominent professional woman in Buffalo. She envisioned an organization that would connect women in executive and professional positions while using their expertise to serve communities and improve the position of women.
At the founding convention in Buffalo, representatives from nine clubs adopted a constitution and bylaws and established the new organization.
Important milestones in Zonta’s history include:
- 1919: Confederation of Zonta Clubs founded in Buffalo, New York.
- 1923: Zonta funded its first international service project, assisting women and children in Smyrna, Turkey.
- 1927: The first Zonta club outside the United States was established in Toronto, Canada.
- 1930: The organization adopted the name Zonta International as it expanded into Europe.
- 1938: The Amelia Earhart Fellowship was established in memory of aviation pioneer and Zonta member Amelia Earhart.
- 1963: Zonta received roster-level status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council.
- 1983: Zonta received consultative status with the Council of Europe.
- 1984: The Zonta International Foundation was established.
- 1990: The Young Women in Public Affairs Award was launched.
- 1998: Zonta adopted its Strategies to End Violence Against Women program.
- 2012: The Zonta Says NO to Violence Against Women campaign was launched.
- 2018: Zonta formally adopted ending child marriage as a major international project.
- 2019: Zonta celebrated its 100th anniversary.
- 2020: Zonta International Foundation was renamed the Zonta Foundation for Women.
- 2023: The organization adopted the mission statement “Build a Better World for Women and Girls.”
Today, Zonta operates as both a membership-based advocacy organization and a global philanthropic network supporting programs for women and girls.
Mission and Purpose
Zonta International’s mission is to build a better world for women and girls.
Its work is based on the principle that women’s rights are human rights and that women and girls should have equal access to education, leadership opportunities, economic resources, healthcare, safety and political participation.
The organization’s major priorities include:
- Advancing gender equality.
- Expanding educational opportunities for women and girls.
- Ending gender-based violence.
- Eliminating child marriage.
- Promoting women’s leadership.
- Supporting women in STEM fields.
- Strengthening women’s economic opportunities.
- Advocating for laws and policies that protect women’s rights.
- Supporting women and girls affected by conflict, poverty and discrimination.
- Promoting sustainable development that benefits women and girls.
Zonta combines service and advocacy rather than relying solely on charitable giving.
This means the organization works both to address immediate needs and to influence policies, institutions and social systems that contribute to gender inequality.
Strategic Focus Areas
Zonta International organizes much of its current work around four interconnected areas.
These include:
- Education Equality
- Gender-Based Violence
- Child Marriage
- Climate Justice and Gender Equality
Education is considered a major pathway to independence, leadership and economic participation.
Gender-based violence remains a central advocacy concern, while ending child marriage is one of Zonta’s signature global priorities.
The organization also increasingly recognizes the connection between climate change and gender inequality, particularly where environmental disasters and resource insecurity increase risks for women and girls.
Governance and Structure
Zonta International operates through an international governance structure supported by elected leaders, boards, committees, districts, regions and local clubs.
The organization maintains separate governing structures for:
- Zonta International.
- Zonta Foundation for Women.
Its governance framework includes:
- International Board.
- International President.
- President-Elect.
- Treasurer/Secretary.
- International Directors.
- District Governors.
- International committees.
- Local Zonta clubs.
- International Convention.
- Zonta Foundation for Women Board.
For the 2026–2028 biennium, Fernanda Gallo Freschi serves as International President.
The International Board provides strategic leadership while members participate in governance through conventions and voting processes.
Zonta’s governing documents include:
- Articles of Incorporation.
- International Bylaws.
- Rules of Procedure.
- Biennial Goals.
- Resolutions.
- Zonta Foundation for Women Bylaws.
- Education Program policies.
- International Service Project policies.
These documents are reviewed and updated regularly through Zonta’s formal governance process.
International Committees
Zonta relies heavily on volunteer leadership through international committees and working groups.
Committees cover areas such as:
- Governance.
- Finance.
- Advocacy.
- United Nations relations.
- Council of Europe relations.
- Education programs.
- Membership.
- Communications.
- Service projects.
- Nominations.
- Bylaws and resolutions.
Specialized committees also oversee major education programs such as the Amelia Earhart Fellowship.
This structure allows Zonta members with expertise in different professional fields to contribute directly to international strategy and program oversight.
Zonta Foundation for Women
The Zonta Foundation for Women is the philanthropic arm that finances many of Zonta International’s global service and education initiatives.
Through donations to the Foundation, supporters fund programs designed to expand women’s access to:
- Education.
- Economic opportunities.
- Healthcare.
- Safe living conditions.
- Leadership opportunities.
- Protection from violence.
- Research and professional development.
Since Zonta launched its international service work in 1923, it has provided more than US$50.9 million through programs benefiting women and girls.
International service projects alone have received nearly US$39 million in Zonta funding.
Funding and Grants
Zonta International’s funding model differs from that of a traditional open-call grantmaking foundation.
The organization raises resources through:
- Member contributions.
- Individual donations.
- Club fundraising.
- District fundraising.
- Foundation contributions.
- Endowment income.
- Program-specific funds.
- Legacy gifts.
- Special campaigns.
Funds are then directed toward international service projects, education awards and other approved initiatives.
The Zonta Foundation for Women maintains several dedicated funding mechanisms.
International Service Fund
The International Service Fund finances programs that improve the lives of women and girls.
Historically, supported activities have included:
- Education.
- Vocational training.
- Healthcare.
- Sanitation.
- Agricultural support.
- Economic development.
- Microcredit.
- Protection from violence.
- Child marriage prevention.
Projects are frequently implemented in cooperation with United Nations agencies and recognized nonprofit organizations.
Since 1923, Zonta has provided nearly US$39 million for international service projects benefiting women in dozens of countries.
Education Funds
Zonta maintains dedicated funds supporting education awards, fellowships and leadership programs.
These include funding for:
- Amelia Earhart Fellowship.
- Zonta Young Women in Leadership Award.
- Zonta Women in STEM Award.
- Zonta Women in Business Leadership Award.
These programs aim to help women and girls access education and professional opportunities in fields where women remain underrepresented.
Rose Fund
The Rose Fund provides flexible support for Zonta Foundation for Women programs.
It can help finance programs that are not fully supported through program-specific donations and can also help launch or expand newer initiatives.
The fund has supported areas such as:
- Women in STEM.
- Women in business leadership.
- New program development.
- Underfunded Foundation priorities.
Endowment Fund
The Endowment Fund is designed to provide long-term financial sustainability.
Investment earnings from the fund provide an ongoing source of revenue for future programs.
The Foundation also maintains resources dedicated to supporting the long-term continuation of the Amelia Earhart Fellowship.
Major Programs and Initiatives
Zonta International implements its mission through a combination of global service programs, education awards, advocacy campaigns and local projects.
Ending Child Marriage
Ending child marriage is one of Zonta International’s most prominent global initiatives.
Zonta works with UNICEF USA and UNFPA to support the Global Programme to End Child Marriage.
The initiative seeks to protect girls from early marriage while improving their access to:
- Education.
- Healthcare.
- Legal protection.
- Social services.
- Economic opportunities.
- Community support.
Programs also work with families, governments, community leaders and institutions to address social norms that allow child marriage to continue.
Ending Child Marriage remains a signature international service project for the 2026–2028 biennium.
Climate Empower
Climate Empower focuses on the connection between climate change and gender-based violence.
The program works particularly in:
- Madagascar.
- Mozambique.
- South Sudan.
The initiative seeks to reduce risks faced by women and girls when climate-related disasters, displacement and economic instability increase vulnerability to violence and harmful practices.
It combines climate resilience with gender-transformative approaches.
Laaha: A Virtual Safe Space for Women and Girls
Zonta supports Laaha, a digital platform designed to provide women and girls with safe access to information.
The initiative provides information related to:
- Women’s health.
- Sexual and reproductive health.
- Rights.
- Gender-based violence.
- Support services.
Laaha is implemented in partnership with UNICEF and seeks to reach women and girls who may otherwise face barriers to accessing reliable information and support.
Zonta Says NO to Violence Against Women
The Zonta Says NO to Violence Against Women campaign is one of the organization’s most visible advocacy initiatives.
Launched in 2012, the campaign mobilizes Zonta clubs and members to raise awareness and advocate for policies addressing violence against women and girls.
Activities may include:
- Public awareness campaigns.
- Community events.
- Advocacy with governments.
- Educational seminars.
- Partnerships with shelters.
- Public demonstrations.
- Social media campaigns.
- Policy advocacy.
The campaign frequently receives heightened visibility around the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence.
Amelia Earhart Fellowship
The Amelia Earhart Fellowship is one of Zonta International’s longest-running education programs.
Established in 1938, it honors pioneering aviator and Zonta member Amelia Earhart.
The fellowship supports women pursuing PhD or doctoral-level study in aerospace engineering and space sciences.
For the 2026–2028 period, Zonta awards up to 30 fellowships annually.
The fellowship amount has increased to US$12,000 per recipient.
The program aims to increase the representation of women in fields historically dominated by men, particularly aerospace and space science.
Over decades, Amelia Earhart Fellows have pursued careers in:
- Aerospace engineering.
- Astronomy.
- Astrophysics.
- Space science.
- Aeronautical engineering.
- Satellite technology.
- Planetary science.
- Related research fields.
Zonta Young Women in Leadership Award
The Zonta Young Women in Leadership Award recognizes young women demonstrating leadership and commitment to public service.
The program supports women typically aged 16 to 19 who demonstrate involvement in areas such as:
- Public policy.
- Government.
- Community service.
- Volunteer leadership.
- Civic engagement.
Zonta offers up to 37 international awards of US$5,000 each annually.
The program is designed to encourage young women to pursue leadership roles in public life.
Zonta Women in STEM Award
The Zonta Women in STEM Award promotes education, careers and leadership for women in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
For the 2026–2028 biennium, the award provides up to 16 international awards of US$5,000 each annually.
Recipients also receive a complimentary one-year supporting membership in Zonta International.
The program recognizes women demonstrating achievement and potential in areas such as:
- Science.
- Technology.
- Engineering.
- Mathematics.
- Research.
- Innovation.
The award is part of Zonta’s wider strategy to address gender inequality in STEM education and careers.
Zonta Women in Business Leadership Award
The Zonta Women in Business Leadership Award supports women demonstrating leadership and entrepreneurial potential.
For the 2026–2028 biennium, Zonta offers 10 international awards of US$5,000 each annually.
The award recognizes women pursuing or developing leadership in business, entrepreneurship and related professional fields.
Recipients also receive a complimentary one-year supporting membership in Zonta International.
Community Give Back Grants
For the 2026–2028 biennium, Zonta International introduced the Zonta Community Give Back Grants program.
The initiative is designed to support impactful local service projects undertaken by Zonta clubs.
The program provides a mechanism for international resources to support community-level initiatives aligned with Zonta’s mission.
Projects may address issues such as:
- Women’s economic empowerment.
- Education.
- Gender-based violence.
- Leadership development.
- Health.
- Community safety.
- Support for vulnerable women and girls.
Local Service and Advocacy
A major part of Zonta’s impact occurs through its local clubs.
More than one thousand clubs implement community-based projects that respond to local needs.
Activities may include:
- Supporting shelters for women experiencing violence.
- Providing scholarships.
- Mentoring young women.
- Organizing health programs.
- Supporting refugees.
- Distributing hygiene products.
- Providing vocational training.
- Raising awareness about gender-based violence.
- Advocating for policy reform.
- Supporting girls’ education.
- Conducting climate-awareness programs.
Local clubs adapt Zonta’s global mission to the needs of individual communities.
International Advocacy
Zonta International also works to influence international policy on women’s rights.
The organization has long-standing relationships with international institutions including:
- United Nations.
- United Nations Economic and Social Council.
- UN Women.
- UNICEF.
- UNFPA.
- Council of Europe.
Zonta received roster-level status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council in 1963 and consultative status with the Council of Europe in 1983.
Its international advocacy work addresses issues such as:
- Gender equality.
- Violence against women.
- Education.
- Child marriage.
- Women’s economic empowerment.
- Climate change.
- Human trafficking.
- Reproductive health.
- Women in conflict settings.
- Migration and displacement.
Impact and Examples of Work Funded
Zonta International’s impact combines more than a century of advocacy with substantial financial investment in women and girls.
Since its first international project in 1923, Zonta has funded programs across many countries and sectors.
Its international service projects have supported activities involving:
- Education.
- Maternal health.
- Reproductive healthcare.
- Sanitation.
- Economic empowerment.
- Agriculture.
- Microfinance.
- Gender-based violence prevention.
- Child marriage prevention.
- Leadership development.
Zonta reports that international service programs have improved opportunities for women and girls in more than 87 countries.
Education Program Impact
Zonta’s education programs have supported thousands of women and girls.
As of 2025, Zonta reported that its education awards had provided more than US$16 million to more than 3,200 women across more than 100 countries.
These programs have enabled recipients to pursue careers in:
- Aerospace.
- Science.
- Engineering.
- Business.
- Technology.
- Public service.
- Government.
- Research.
Education funding is designed not only to provide financial assistance but also to increase women’s participation in fields where they remain underrepresented.
Examples of Local Impact
Zonta clubs worldwide regularly implement projects tailored to community needs.
Recent examples include clubs supporting:
- Workplace-readiness programs for young women.
- Climate and flood-preparedness education.
- Protection services for vulnerable women and children.
- Education and leadership initiatives.
- Community-based gender equality campaigns.
These projects demonstrate how Zonta combines global strategy with local action.
Advocacy Impact
Zonta’s advocacy work extends beyond individual projects.
Members campaign for changes in laws, policies and social practices affecting women and girls.
Key advocacy priorities include:
- Preventing violence against women.
- Eliminating child marriage.
- Protecting reproductive rights.
- Improving education access.
- Promoting women in leadership.
- Addressing discrimination.
- Strengthening women’s economic rights.
Zonta clubs may work with governments, civil society organizations and international institutions to influence policy and improve protections for women.
Global Network and Membership
Zonta International currently has more than 25,600 members in approximately 1,070 clubs across 65 countries.
This network enables the organization to operate simultaneously at:
- Local level.
- District level.
- National level.
- Regional level.
- International level.
Members include professionals, community leaders, advocates, entrepreneurs and individuals committed to gender equality.
This membership structure distinguishes Zonta from traditional grantmaking foundations because its impact depends heavily on volunteer leadership and community action alongside philanthropic funding.
Why Zonta International Matters
Zonta International has been advocating for women’s rights for more than a century.
Its long history gives the organization significant experience in addressing structural barriers affecting women and girls.
Zonta’s model combines:
- Philanthropy.
- Advocacy.
- Education.
- Leadership development.
- Volunteer service.
- International partnerships.
- Local community action.
This combination allows the organization to address both immediate needs and systemic inequalities.
Its programs are particularly relevant to organizations, researchers and individuals interested in:
- Women’s empowerment.
- Gender equality grants.
- Scholarships for women.
- Women in STEM funding.
- Gender-based violence prevention.
- Child marriage prevention.
- Women’s leadership.
- Education funding.
- International women’s rights programs.
- Community service grants.
Conclusion
Zonta International is a global organization dedicated to advancing gender equality and improving opportunities for women and girls through advocacy, service, education and international cooperation.
Founded in 1919 in Buffalo, New York, Zonta has evolved from a network of professional women into an international organization with more than 25,600 members across 65 countries.
Through the Zonta Foundation for Women, the organization finances education programs and international service projects addressing gender-based violence, child marriage, health, economic opportunity and women’s rights.
Major initiatives include the Amelia Earhart Fellowship, Zonta Young Women in Leadership Award, Zonta Women in STEM Award, Zonta Women in Business Leadership Award, Ending Child Marriage program, Climate Empower, Laaha and Zonta Says NO to Violence Against Women.
Its combination of international advocacy, local volunteer action and targeted financial support makes Zonta an important global organization for women’s empowerment and gender equality.
For more information, visit here.
