en
(Worldwide)
YOUNG WOMEN
IN PUBLIC AFFAIRS
AWARD
Zonta International is a leading global organization of professionals working to build a better world for women and girls through service and advocacy.
One of Zonta's goals is supporting women's education and professional development through 4 international education programs.
One of them is the Young Women in Public Affairs Award.
Award Description
Though about 40% of the world’s workforce is women, according to data from the Inter-Parliamentary Union, only 25.7% of all national parliamentarians were female as of 1 September 2021.
Because Zonta International believes that young women are the key to women’s advancement in the field of public service, it offers the Young Women in Public Affairs (YWPA) Award, which recognizes young women, ages 16-19, for demonstrating leadership skills and commitment to public service and civic causes, and encourages them to continue their participation in public and political life.
Established in 1990 by Past International President Leneen Forde, Zonta has given 1,091 awards, US$1,488,750, to 919 young women from 61 countries.
The program operates at the Zonta club, district/region and international levels. Zonta International offers 37 international awards of US$5,000. Each district/region may submit one applicant for consideration for an international scholarship. The five largest districts may submit a second applicant for a total of two applicants.
Women, aged 16-19 on 1 April each year, studying at a secondary school, college or university in a Zonta district/region, or who are studying elsewhere but are citizens of a Zonta country, who demonstrate evidence of the following, are eligible to apply.
- Active commitment to volunteerism.
- Experience in local government, student government, or workplace leadership (paid or unpaid).
- Volunteer leadership achievements.
- Knowledge of Zonta International and its programs.
- Support in Zonta International's mission of building a better world for women and girls.
Applicants from geographic areas within a Zonta district/region where no clubs are located may apply via a Zonta e-club or directly to the district to be eligible for the international awards. Previous district and international Young Women in Public Affairs Award recipients are not eligible to apply to renew the Award for a second year.
Club members and individuals with direct membership with Zonta International and employees of Zonta International and Zonta Foundation for Women, and their family members (ancestors, descendants, adoptees, siblings, nieces or cousins, and those of their spouse or co-habiting partner), are not eligible to apply for the Awards.
Z and Golden Z club members are also eligible to apply.
Application for the award must be submitted to the Zonta Club in the applicant's region of residence and education. There are 8 Zonta International clubs in Bulgaria. To apply, contact the club closest to you using the contacts listed below:
Zonta Club of Sofia: vania_petrova@gbg.bg
Zonta Club of Varna: nvbogacheva@mail.ru
Zonta Club of Plovdiv: psiholog.bojilova@abv.bg
Zonta Club of Veliko Tarnovo: mariaskarlet1963@gmail.com
Zonta Club of Saint Sofia: taneva.eleni@gmail.com
Zonta Club of Stara Zagora: mstdimitrova@yahoo.com
Zonta Club of Rouse: t_dencheva@abv.bg
Zonta Club of Bourgas: burgas.zonta@gmail.com
You can contact Zonta International directly at: programs@zonta.org
The application process begins with a Zonta club. All application materials must be received at the club before the deadline. If you have downloaded the Application Form from the Zonta International website and it does not have a deadline for submission to the club nearest you, please contact the club for information on application deadlines.
Young Women in Public Affairs Awards are made possible by generous contributions to the Zonta Foundation for Women Young Women in Public Affairs Award Fund from Zontians, Zonta clubs and friends of Zonta International.
The deadline for applications is 25.03.2024.
They should be submitted to:
Donka Zhekova Petkova-Ilieva
District 30 Zonta International Scholarship Committee Chair
Tel: +359879542562
E-mail: escargotbg@gmail.com
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