Relief organizations around the world have taken swift action to help the Haitian people recover from the devastating effects of the earthquake, providing rescue services and support for survivors. The infrastructure needs of the country – reconstruction of roads, peoples’ homes, hospitals – are demanding, and the international community is providing the resources to meet these needs and the humanitarian needs of the people of Haiti.

Zonta International reiterates its sincere concern for the people of Haiti; however, Zonta is not a relief organization and is not set up to manage complex and strategic coordination efforts, nor do any funds exist to be used for disaster relief and emergencies.

The recovery and rebuilding process in Haiti will, however, be a long one. The Zonta International Board has begun discussions with UNIFEM about a project that will be in place after the immediate need for help has decreased. In the aftermath of the earthquake, when law and order is not functioning, women and girls are at risk to be victims of all kinds of violence, including adult crime, increased juvenile crime, trafficking into labor or sexual exploitation. As a strategic partner of UNIFEM, Zonta is working on a project which will both meet Zonta’s mission and objects and address the issue of violence against women in the aftermath of the earthquake.

On this week’s board agenda is, among many matters, the 2010 – 2012 ZISVAW proposals from the President-Elect. The Board has decided to recommend a ZISVAW project in support of the women of Haiti. This proposed project will be brought to the Convention in San Antonio for voting as laid out in the international bylaws.

For those Zontians or Zonta clubs who may wish to make a more immediate personal or club contribution to the relief efforts, we encourage you to support UNIFEM’s efforts to provide urgently needed services for the protection of women and their families, specifically the rebuilding of women’s shelters and the expanded provision of emergency services for women. Donations can be made online at https://secure.globalproblems-globalsolutions.org/site/Donation2?df_id=1960&1960.donation=form1.

If you make a donation to UNIFEM’s relief efforts, please inform UNIFEM that the donation is from a Zontian or Zonta club and notify Zonta International Headquarters via e-mail at advocacy@zonta.org. All donations to UNIFEM will be counted as an action in the SAY NO – UNiTE to End Violence Against Women Campaign.