Founded in 1919, Zonta
International is a worldwide service organization of executives in
business and the professions working to advance the status of women.
There are about 33,000 members in more than 1,254 clubs in 67 countries.
Zonta has a long-standing
relationship with the United Nations, including a special partnership with
the U.N. Development Fund for Women (UNIFEM). Like Zonta, UNIFEM
recognizes the importance of focusing attention on the activities and
roles of women, which are critical to sustainable development around the
world.
Zonta also encourages
young women to pursue non-traditional careers. For example, the Zonta
International Foundation Amelia Earhart Fellowship Award - a scholarship
for women in aviation - was established in 1938 to honor the famed
aviation pioneer, who was a Zontian.
The word "Zonta" is
derived from the Sioux Indian words meaning "honest and trustworthy."
One of the most prominent symbols of Zonta is the yellow rose.