en
(Worldwide)
Zonta International is a leading global organization of professionals working to empower women around the world through service and advocacy.
Zonta envisions a world where every woman can achieve her full potential, has access to all resources, is represented in decision-making positions on an equal basis with men, and lives without fear of violence. Zonta has focused on human rights and gender equality since its founding in 1919.
To this date, Zonta has 26, 100 members in 1,100 clubs in 62 countries.
History
In the early 1990s, when women very rarely held leadership positions, Marianne de Forest, a writer, playwright and journalist, was inspired by the idea of creating an organisation to bring together women in leadership positions. Understanding the importance of breaking through the "glass ceiling" long before the phrase was ever used, she envisions a powerful network to help women take their rightful place in the professions. In the spring of 1919, Marianne De Forest gathered a group of like-minded women who played an important role in Buffalo (USA) life to form the Buffalo Zonta Club. Marianne De Forest was president of the Buffalo Zonta Club and soon after, she became the second president of the Confederation of Zonta Clubs, consisting of nine clubs.
In its first 15 years of existence, Zonta grew from 9 to 124 clubs, thanks to Marianne de Forest as founder and leader with her exceptional vitality, strong persuasiveness and charisma. On the occasion of Zonta's 15th anniversary, Marianne de Forest said in a radio broadcast, "Our long-term plan is to bring women leaders around the world together at Zonta International as an army of experts who, through friendship, understanding, cooperation and goodwill, will become an irresistible force for peace." Her contribution through Zonta International has had a lasting impact on the lives of women around the world.
Zonta's emblem
"Zonta" means "honest" and "trustworthy" and originates from Lakota (Teton Dakota), the language of the local Sioux Indian tribes. The emblem was adopted in 1919 and symbolizes the combination of the qualities of honesty and trust, inspiration and opportunity for working together, for service and world understanding.
Zonta's Yellow Rose
Since 1999, Zonta's rose has served as the symbol of Zonta's "Rose Day," which is celebrated on March 8 and coincides with International Women's Day. On this special day, Zonta members around the world are encouraged to distribute yellow roses or items depicting yellow roses to the public, along with information and materials about Zonta International related to improving the lives of women.
In March 1919, five women organized and chartered the First Zonta Club in Buffalo, NY. Mary Jenkins was elected the first Zonta president.
On November 8, 1919, delegates from nine women's clubs met at the Statler Hotel in Buffalo and formed the Zonta Confederation with a total of 600 members.