Zonta International/Zonta Foundation for Women

Zonta International’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion

Since 1919, Zonta has been working to create a more equitable future for women and girls. We believe that fostering a diverse and inclusive global community is a powerful platform to bring about the social change needed to make our vision for gender equality a reality. As a global organization, Zonta International values the contributions of members of all backgrounds, regardless of age, ethnicity, race, color, ability, religion, socio-economic status, culture, sexual orientation, or gender identity. We believe that a diverse community of members is essential to our ability to achieve our mission to create a more equitable future.

We strive to be an organization where everyone feels empowered to be their full authentic selves. We celebrate multiple approaches and points of view and know that different ideas, perspectives, and backgrounds create a stronger and more creative environment to better serve our members and achieve our mission for gender equality. We welcome differences and strive to ensure that all voices are valued and heard. While we have more work to do, we are committed to the values of diversity and inclusion across all Zonta International activities and initiatives.

About Zonta International and Zonta Foundation for Women

In 1919, a group of forward-thinking executive women came together in Buffalo, New York, to use their combined expertise in service to their community. Not satisfied with the predominantly social nature of many women’s organizations at the time, the women who founded Zonta envisioned a new kind of service organization – one that would promote professionalism among its executive members while serving the needs of girls and young women in the community.

One hundred years later, the legacy of Zonta’s early members can be seen and felt through nearly 1,100 Zonta clubs in 64 countries across the globe. While the world has changed dramatically over the last century, more than 25,000 Zontians today remain committed to the professionalism, fellowship and service that led Zonta’s visionary founders to come together.

Today, Zonta’s history extends beyond the community service of each individual Zonta club. Zonta International has provided almost $51 million through the Zonta Foundation for Women to empower women and girls and expand their access to education, health care, economic opportunities and safe living conditions. Zonta’s vision will not be achieved by monetary donations alone. At the local, national and regional levels, Zonta clubs and individual Zontians are advocating for laws and policies that ensure gender equality and help every woman and girl realize her full potential.