A world where women and girls can realize their full potential, enjoy equal opportunities, and live free from discrimination and violence—this is the vision that has inspired Zonta International for more than a century.
Founded in the United States in 1919, Zonta International has grown into one of the world's leading nonprofit service organizations for professional women. Today, approximately 28,000 members in more than 1,100 clubs across 63 countries work together to create lasting opportunities and improve the lives of women and girls worldwide.
Zonta members represent a remarkable diversity of professions and experiences. Business leaders, entrepreneurs, educators, healthcare professionals, public servants, scientists, artists, and women from many other fields contribute their knowledge, leadership, and expertise to the organization's mission. This diversity is one of Zonta's greatest strengths, fostering an international network built on integrity, mutual respect, collaboration, and shared purpose.
Zonta's work is guided by four core pillars: Service, Advocacy, Education, and Fellowship. Around the world, Zonta clubs develop and support service projects, promote educational opportunities, advocate for women's rights, and work to advance gender equality, economic empowerment, and a future free from gender-based violence. Through global initiatives such as Zonta Says NO to Violence Against Women, the organization raises awareness and inspires meaningful action to create lasting change.
As an internationally recognized nongovernmental organization, Zonta International holds General Consultative Status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC)—the highest consultative status granted to NGOs. Zonta also collaborates closely with several United Nations agencies and other international partners to help advance the rights, opportunities, and well-being of women and girls around the world.
Zonta is nonpartisan, nonsectarian, and independent. More than a global network of accomplished professional women, it is a community united by shared values and a common commitment to service. Across cultures, generations, and continents, members build lasting friendships, support one another, and work together to make a meaningful difference. This spirit of Fellowship has been at the heart of Zonta since its founding.
The name Zonta is derived from the language of the Lakota (Sioux) people and is commonly understood to represent honesty, trustworthiness, and integrity. These enduring values continue to guide the organization and are reflected in the Zonta emblem.
Guided by its mission to Build a Better World for Women and Girls, Zonta International empowers members to create positive change through service, advocacy, education, and international collaboration—demonstrating that committed individuals working together can make a lasting impact.
The Zonta International Convention brings this global community together. More than a conference, it is a celebration of friendship, leadership, learning, and service—a unique opportunity to exchange ideas, strengthen international connections, and shape the future of Zonta together.
History of Zonta International .... The Early Years.... I The history of Zonta is closely linked to the development of emancipation and the value of women in the world and is marked by great personalities such as Amelia Earhart. It is all the more important to continue this development and not to slacken in denouncing injustices and bringing them to the attention of all people!
