Zonta International commemorates International Day of Education 2023

Every year on 24 January, Zonta International observes International Day of Education and celebrates the role of education in peace and development.

Around the world, 129 million girls are out of school, including 32 million of primary school age, 30 million of lower-secondary school age, and 67 million of upper-secondary age.

"A foundational step in building a better world for women and girls is ensuring quality education for all," said Zonta International President Ute Scholz. "Education is essential for future success and economic independence, especially for women and girls."

When a girl stays in school, she increases her income-earning potential, making her future brighter. Additionally, women who receive formal education are more likely than uneducated women to use contraception, marry later, have fewer children and be better informed on the nutritional needs of their children.

Zonta International currently provides four scholarships, fellowships and awards to women pursuing education and careers in typically male-dominated fields and all of our international service projects include an education component.

In Madagascar, Zonta International and UNICEF USA are supporting the country in meeting the SDGs and improving the quality of children's education, especially girls, while addressing the impacts of climate change. Zonta is working with UNICEF in Peru to respond to the needs of adolescent girls, including ensuring safe and adequate school environments. Tens of thousands of girls who dropped out of school are being supported to return with support from the Zonta-funded UNFPA-UNICEF Global Programme to End Child Marriage, which is also improving girls' literacy. And, in Papua New Guinea and Timor-Leste, Zonta International is working with UNFPA to develop teaching materials and train health staff to properly respond to cases of gender-based violence.

Each January, Zonta International celebrates Amelia Earhart Month, which honors the life of the famed aviator and Zontian, and spreads awareness of our Amelia Earhart Fellowship. We are also accepting applications for our Young Women in Public Affairs Award and Women in STEM Scholarship and will soon post the application for our Jane M. Klausman (JMK) Women in Business Scholarship.

The year 2023 marks the mid-point since the adoption of the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda, which set a 15-year plan to achieve the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). SDG 4 says that providing quality education for all is fundamental to creating a peaceful and prosperous world.

"Without inclusive and equitable quality education and lifelong opportunities for all, countries will not succeed in achieving gender equality and breaking the cycle of poverty that is leaving millions of children, youth and adults behind," the United Nations said.

Zonta International thanks its members and donors for contributing to our education programs and service projects, which are supporting the SDGs. To celebrate the International Day of Education, we encourage our members to continue supporting these projects and advocating for education in their communities.

Click here to download an infographic and social media images.

24 JANUARY 2023