Greetings Friend,
It is not enough for just one gender to strive for equality; gender equity can only be truly achieved when everyone is equally invested in the process. I truly believe women and men must work together. Only then can we create a society where all individuals, regardless of gender, can live free from discrimination and enjoy equal opportunities in all aspects of life.
Involving men in your local actions is something that all Zonta members can and need to do! According to the article, MANdatory - why men need (and are needed for) gender equality progress, as published in Frontiers in Psychology, March 2024, men are generally more inclined to join gender equity movements when explicitly asked. One study found that men’s low involvement can be due to a perceived lack of psychological standing, or perceived low legitimacy to act on behalf of this cause.
In one example, participants were asked to volunteer to be part of a companywide taskforce on gender parity (the control group) while some participants also received information that the CEO had made a request for both men and women volunteers. As expected, this additional information regarding the CEO's request increased men’s volunteerism to 55% (vs. 33% in the control group without a specific invitation for men’s participation).
As you read below, learn about how Zontians can build a better world for women and girls by including more men in the conversation. The Add Your Voice membership campaign is also a great opportunity to invite more male voices to join our efforts for gender equity. If you know someone deeply committed to advancing gender equity, regardless of their gender, share with them the powerful impact they can make by becoming a Zonta member. Together, we can create a world where men support women's rights as human rights.
Your unwavering support and dedication are truly inspiring. I am eagerly looking forward to celebrating all the incredible achievements we have made together at the upcoming Zonta Convention in Brisbane!
Warm regards,
Ute Scholz
President 2022-2024
Zonta International and the Zonta Foundation for Women
Spotlight on male Zonta members
This month, we asked some of our male Zonta members about the importance of men and women working together to build a better world for women and girls. Read their inspiring testimonials!
"A quoi bon se faire défenseur de l’égalité si, en réalité, seules les femmes se battent pour l’égalité? Qu’il s’agisse d’égalité entre les hommes et les femmes, ou simplement entre des individus, chacun doit être concerné. Se battre pour les droits des femmes, cela signifie se battre pour tout un chacun ; en effet, si les droits des femmes ne sont pas respectés, ces droits ne sont pas assurés pour une partie de la population, et ces personnes ne sont pas en sécurité. Ce sont ma mère et ma grand’mère qui m’ont élevé et qui m’ont tout donné, il est donc de mon devoir aujourd’hui de me battre pour que toutes les femmes bénéficient de droits équitables et puissent vivre dans la sécurité."
"What's the point of advocating equality if, in reality, it's only women who struggle? Whether this equity is between men and women or just between individuals, everyone needs to get involved. Fighting for women's rights means fighting for everyone's rights because if women's rights aren't respected, no rights are guaranteed for some people, they're no longer secure. My mother and grandmother raised me and gave me everything, and it's my duty today to fight so that all women can have fair rights and live safely."
Rémy Fleury, District 30, France
"ジェンダー平等については学び中ですが、はっきりしているのは
俺は女性に対する暴力を許さない。それが親密なもの、経済、政治、社会的でも。"
"I don’t know much about gender equality yet, but I say NO to the domestic, business, political and social violence against women for sure."
Daisuke Fukushima, District 26, Japan
"As governor of District 18, which covers 12 African countries, I have the honor of being the first male governor of my district. My philosophy is the belief that both genders are equal and women's rights are recognized as human rights. Men are surrounded by women, mothers, wives and daughters. Therefore, we are obligated to give total support to women to enable them to achieve their potential. This means men should stop violence against women and child marriage and should provide equal opportunities for both male and female children. I have enjoyed my period as governor and hope I have made an impact."
Governor Nadjim Salami, District 18, Togo
"性別平等在每一個領域都應該被尊重，尤其在現今的數位世代。在所有的社會層面，兩性都應享有尊嚴受到尊重 - 不論是在我們的智慧型手機世界之内或之外 - 如此我們才能在今日不斷進化的社會中做確切的溝通並推動進步。"
"Gender equality should be respected in every environment, especially in this digital generation. Both genders should be treated with dignity and respect in all social situations, be it in the world of our smartphones or outside, in order for proper communication and development in today's ever-changing society."
Wayne Su, District 31, Taiwan
Now it’s your turn! Ask the male members in your club, why they are building a better world for women and girls. If you do not have a member in your club, ask male friends, relatives or colleagues why gender equity is important. Their answer may surprise you, and they might be looking for the next opportunity to make equity a reality. Encourage them to attend a Zonta meeting to see what can and is happening in their community!
Send their responses to us at [email protected], and they will be featured on our website and in future publications. Help us show that Zonta stands together across generations, genders and all around the world to build a better world for women and girls.
Taking Gender Equity Action
There are many ways to include all members of society in building a better world for women and girls. HeForShe has action kits with ideas on how you can engage with male advocates on gender equity. Below are links to the full kits with some key ideas highlighted.
Individuals
- Speak up if you hear something that does not sound right. Challenge your peers when they speak disrespectfully of others. Change happens right then and there when you speak up.
- Ask your local library to host a film screening and discussion.
Students
- As part of a Golden Z or Z club, plan an event at your school or university and host a speaker, movie screening or book club.
-
Report your actions and share them via your social media channel of choice, showing that gender equity is being talked about and actions are taking place!
Workplaces
-
Create a platform for discussions on gender equity related issues.
-
Run a gender equity training session.
- Ensure gender balance in meetings.
Organizations
-
Connect with other groups and networks.
-
Start where the men and boys are coming from, but don’t get stuck there. Challenge stereotypes and assumptions while using positive messages and language of responsibility.
Zontians in Action
Zonta members are taking action to create a better world for women and girls! Read the stories below highlighting how Zonta clubs are empowering their communities.
Z Club Saint Sofia Next Generation holds charity concert for climate justice
The Z Club Saint Sofia Next Generation, Bulgaria, organized a charity concert with the Sofia Philharmonic Orchestra, Bulgaria's leading musical institution, and the ClassicArt String Quartet and Ensemble, a chamber ensemble part of the Sofia Philharmonic Orchestra.
As the student club opened the event, they shared their past initiatives, demonstrating the power of youth-led environmental activism. They also introduced the audience to the launch of their newest innovative project: Hair for Soil. This groundbreaking initiative, which uses hair from hairdressing salons to fertilize the soil in parks and public spaces, is a shining example of how small actions can lead to significant environmental impact, inspiring hope for a greener future.
Zonta Club of Adelaide Inc launches young women's leadership program
The Zonta Club of Adelaide Inc, Australia, launched a young women's leadership program to address the significant barriers women still face in achieving leadership positions compared to their male counterparts.
Some examples of the program projects undertaken are:
- Women leaders are not always apparent in the community. In this project, students researched current and past women leaders and explore how to share the information with the school community.
- Technology is used as a means of control in relationships. Participants researched how social media can be misused to control others. Consulting with a domestic violence service assisted in gathering information, and the participants looked at how the information obtained could be used to protect others from abuse.
- Menstruation is a taboo topic in many societies, resulting in young women not receiving an education, information or support. The participants researched how some organizations provide aid and what could be done in their school community.
Share Your Story
Tell us how you are changing the world through service and advocacy by clicking on the button above to share your story!
Join the Zonta Says NOW Virtual Workshop
All members who are registered for the 2024 Zonta International Convention are welcome to join the Zonta Says NOW Virtual Workshop via the Whova convention app. The app will open on Tuesday, 30 April.
Friday, 24 May
8:00 AM CDT
Find your time: Meeting Planner
Will we see you in Brisbane, Australia?
Have you registered for the 2024 Zonta International Convention yet? Register today and join us for an unforgettable experience from 27-30 June.
Tickets are going quickly for the Zonta Walk and Sausage Sizzle, the Farewell Party and tours. Add to your Convention experience by registering today and include these events!
Zonta's 2024 Convention is supported by Tourism Australia, the Queensland Government through Tourism and Events Queensland and Business Events Australia.
Meet our Remarkable Women!
- Meet March's guest: Tahina Booth | Watch | Hear | Learn more
- Meet our next remarkable woman: Abigail Dogbe. Listen on demand 25 April | Bio
%20(1).png)
Celebrate this month's club anniversaries!
Congratulations to the Zonta Club of Indianapolis, USA, District 6, and the Zonta Club of Owosso, USA, District 15, on celebrating their 95th anniversaries this month. We applaud your efforts in advocating for the women and girls in your community and beyond!
To see which other clubs are celebrating a milestone anniversary in April, please visit Zonta News.
Celebrating Zonta International Headquarters!
This month, we are celebrating the promotion of one staff member and welcoming another at Zonta International Headquarters.
Congratulations to Ellen Au
Communications Senior Associate
Welcome to Yvonne Janvrin
Membership Senior Coordinator